‘Luton Life’, Luton Museum and Art Gallery

This tells the story of a town that has seen three economic miracles: a 19th Century hatting industry, a 20th Century car industry and a 21st Century services industry.

Eight distinct themed areas deal with topics as diverse as 'plaiting', car manufacture and the Peace Day Riots. They are linked by a panel-based chronological story and punctuated by oral histories, low and hi-tech interactives and a/v presentations.

While giving a high degree of protection to most objects, the design gives supervised access to three extensive handling collections: hats, an early 19 Century grocery shop and a Victorian pub.

Since the redesign visitor numbers have increased dramatically, exceeding all expectations.

Photography - Andreas Schmidt