We produced a series of accessibility-focused films designed to improve inclusivity for visitors with sight and hearing impairments at Leicester Museum & Art Gallery and Newarke Houses. These landmark cultural sites hold centuries of history, and the goal of this project was to ensure those stories are truly open to everyone.

By creating a dedicated layer of digital interpretation, we aimed to remove barriers to engagement and foster a more welcoming, independent experience for every member of the local and visiting community.

The brief centred around producing a collection of films that felt like a natural extension of the gallery experience. This required a high level of collaborative verification; we had to ensure that complex historical contexts and specialised language were accurately translated into British Sign Language (BSL) without losing their original meaning. 

The challenge was to balance the technical requirements of accessibility, such as clear sightlines and pacing, with an inviting, high-end visual tone that matched the prestige of the museum’s collections.

We worked closely with professional BSL interpreters to ensure every gesture and sign was captured with total precision. We utilised a hybrid filming approach, combining controlled green-screen sessions for clear signing with on-location capture throughout the museums to maintain a sense of place and authenticity. 

Each film was layered to include high-quality narration, clear subtitles, and BSL interpretation. This comprehensive level of accessibility ensured that the content remained engaging and easy to navigate for all.

The final films have significantly strengthened the museums’ accessibility offer, serving as a tangible demonstration of their commitment to inclusive storytelling. Upon arrival, visitors are greeted by the welcome films on large-format screens at the museum entrances, immediately setting a tone of inclusion. 

Throughout the galleries there are QR codes presented, allowing visitors to use their own smartphones to view the accessible content. This provides a user-friendly way for audiences to engage with the museum’s narratives at their own pace, ensuring the city’s history is a shared experience for all.