ABSTRACT
This chapter presents the results of the experimental exhibits at the Petrie Museum and the Horniman Museum effectively test the usefulness of a variety of display techniques in interpreting displays. These results highlight the power of the visual imagery, the importance of an object-centred approach. An analysis of the findings of the experiments suggests that each of the display factors under investigation had a positive effect on audience engagement with the silent objects. Colour can be employed for its differential impact in a visually monotonous exhibition where the objects on display are similar to each other in terms of shape, colour and material. The evocative, atmospheric and informative qualities of sound were tested in the whispering headrest experiment. Observations at the Petrie Museum indicated that the audio label encouraged deeper and longer interaction with the object.
