Carlisle’s rich history is revealed through unexpected and hidden stories, refreshing familiar narratives while fostering personal connection and self-exploration. Rooted in the community yet globally relevant, the gallery is story-led, foregrounding the people of Carlisle and their voices.

Over 270 objects are displayed, introducing visitors to both the city and the wider Tullie collection. These stories connect Carlisle’s past, present, and future.

Co-designed, co-curated, and co-produced with the community, the gallery breaks down barriers between collections and audiences. It embraces diverse objects, voices, and perspectives, using multi-sensory, interactive, and digital interpretation.

‘Cracker Packer’ co-designing at the McVities Carrs factory

Housed in a 1990s atrium extension, previously at odds with the Grade I listed building, the space has been decluttered and unified. Light is controlled, service areas screened, and a calm, neutral setting established.

Rather than a defined room, the gallery is formed by lightweight vitrines that layer the space and open views beyond. Bespoke, sustainably sourced timber cases are adaptable, with pegboard systems allowing displays to evolve over the project’s 15-year lifespan.

Five central totems display Carlisle revolutionaries, designed as flexible elements for rotating content. With interaction points at varied heights, they maximise the atrium’s scale and engage younger visitors.

Can you smell the biscuits?

Handling objects—such as a fox, owl, and birds—are placed throughout, appearing to escape the vitrines and inviting closer engagement. A “wild” case base further immerses younger audiences in the collection’s flora and fauna.

Sustainability guided a light-touch approach, minimising structural change while creating a unified, bright interior with improved visual and spatial coherence with the new welcome building.

Universal design underpins the gallery, offering multi-sensory experiences including audio, sound, scent, and touch. A major interactive was developed collaboratively with a local amateur history group, shaping its stories, objects, and interpretation.