United Kingdom, Manchester
2017
300
Creative Drapery, Acoustics
Art Gallery & Exhibitions
J&C Joel was proud to be the drapery provider for the Whitworth, The University of Manchester.
The Whitworth was founded in 1898. It was the first English gallery located in a park and has since been transformed by a £15 million development. The gallery is part of The University of Manchester and has a long history of working creatively with schools.
J&C Joel supplied 96 acoustic panels to the gallery to improve the acoustics, masking and blackout properties in two rooms.
For the first room, which displayed Steve McQueen: Ashes via a projection screen, 80 acoustic panels were produced. These were built using wooden frames. 40 panels measured 1.2m by 0.6m and another 40 measured 2.4m by 0.6m. J&C Joel manufactured the face fabric for the panels from dark grey double sided Deko Molton (DEK034). This fabric was ideal for the cinematic room due to its masking and blackout properties. As a result, it helped create a dark cinematic environment for viewing the artwork.
The acoustic panels were then interlined with natural Heavy Cotton Bump (INT002) to improve the acoustics and reduce noise level within the room. Finally, the panels were filled with Rockwool on-site to absorb sound and ensure that the acoustics within the room were clear and controlled.
Next, J&C Joel produced 16 acoustic panels for another room within the gallery, portraying Maeve Brennan’s work. The wooden frames for the panels measured 2.0m by 1.2m. The face fabric for the panels were manufactured from J&C Joel’s black Deko Molton (DEK051) The fabric provided strong masking and blackout properties ensuring the room remained pitch black.
In addition, the team interlined the panels with natural Heavy Cotton Bump (INT002) and filled with Rockwool on-site to add acoustic properties. This further enhanced acoustic control within the space.
Justin Walsh, J&C Joel’s UK Sales Executive, commented on the project: “It was a substantial project but one in which the results were outstanding to see. Working with the Whitworth was a pleasure and I feel this job showcases the different kind of jobs J&C Joel are able to do with their drapery.”
