Splash! A Century of Swimming and Style
Raskl collaborated with Scott Whitby Studios to develop and fabricate the material elements for the Splash! exhibition, delivering a comprehensive design solution that brought this cultural exploration of swimming to life.
PROJECT OVERVIEW
The exhibition examines swimming's cultural journey through three distinct environments—pool, lido, and natural settings—tracing its evolution from the 1920s to the present day. Raskl was tasked with developing the material palette and fabrication details that would effectively communicate this narrative through thoughtfully designed physical spaces.
MATERIAL DEVELOPMENT & FABRICATION
Our contribution to Splash! encompassed a carefully considered material approach:
White Storm Board PlinthsWe selected this durable material for its clean aesthetic and water-resistant properties, creating display surfaces that complement the exhibition's aquatic theme while providing a neutral backdrop for the historical artefacts.
Custom Acrylic ShowcasesOur precision-fabricated showcases house over 200 historical objects, offering clear visibility while meeting conservation requirements. The transparent quality of acrylic subtly references water's reflective nature.
Kvadrat Tulle Fabric InstallationsThese semi-transparent fabric elements create defined yet permeable spatial divisions throughout the exhibition, their flowing quality evoking the movement of water whilst allowing visitors glimpses of what lies beyond.
Integrated Coloured Neon FlexThis lighting solution serves both functional and atmospheric purposes, guiding visitors through the space while creating immersive environments that reference the distinctive lighting qualities of different swimming settings.
Powder-Coated Steel ElementsWe fabricated structural components from powder-coated steel, ensuring structural integrity whilst maintaining design coherence through considered finishing treatments.
Portuguese Cork SeatingVisitor seating was crafted from solid blocks of fumed Portuguese cork, chosen for its natural warmth, tactile quality, and inherent water-resistant properties—conceptually aligning with the exhibition theme.
EXHIBITION CONTEXT
Splash! presents a scholarly yet accessible examination of swimming's cultural significance. Beginning with the 1920s transition from Victorian bathing customs to functional swimwear, the exhibition traces swimming's development through to contemporary discussions of body autonomy and environmental awareness.
Notable artefacts include Pamela Anderson's iconic Baywatch swimsuit, Britain's first Olympic solo swimming gold medal won by a female competitor, representative examples of 1980s Speedo swimwear, the controversial LZR Racer "technical doping" swimsuit, an early surviving bikini, and an architectural model of Zaha Hadid's London 2012 Aquatics Centre.
The exhibition was guest-curated by Amber Butchart, a respected historian specialising in dress and design history, known for her work on BBC One's The Great British Sewing Bee.
OUR COLLABORATIVE APPROACH
Our partnership with Scott Whitby Studios exemplifies Raskl's commitment to collaborative design excellence. Through thoughtful consultation and technical development, we provided material expertise and fabrication solutions that effectively translated curatorial vision into physical reality.
Photography Credit - Luke Hayes
