We were commissioned by the British Library to design Secret Maps, a temporary exhibition at the British Library that explores the power of maps to conceal, control, and reveal knowledge. Far from being neutral objects, the maps on display show how information can be both hidden and exposed, how knowledge can be both shared and restricted. We wanted to create an environment that mirrors this duality: a space that both conceals and reveals. The exhibition design is inherently theatrical and playful, inviting visitors to look closer, to peel back layers, and to see the unseen. Through a series of interactive moments, visitors are prompted to “spot the difference,” “draw back the curtain,” and “take a closer look,” revealing how maps have shaped secrecy and understanding alike.

We worked with graphic designers Studio HB and lighting designers DHA Designs on this project.