Becoming Shakespeare

We were tasked with creating an exhibition that focuses on Shakespeare’s formative years and the creative influences that shaped him, with a particular emphasis on the impact of place on his creative spark. The aim was to help visitors build a personal connection to the beginnings of his extraordinary journey, while also highlighting the profound insights into the human condition that continue to resonate through his work.

Blending historical narratives and immersive storytelling, Becoming Shakespeare was designed to guide visitors through an engaging - and at times emotional - experience that positions Stratford-upon-Avon at the heart of what made William Shakespeare the globally recognised artist he became.

The exhibition reflects the Shakespeare Birthplace Trust’s commitment to preserving Shakespeare’s legacy and making his story compelling and relevant for today’s audiences.

The visitor experience unfolds through a sequence of carefully curated spaces that reveal the many influences shaping Shakespeare’s imagination. At the same time, the exhibition honours the lasting impact of his work on other art forms, as well as its far-reaching influence on cultures worldwide. Through compelling storytelling, rare original exhibits, and atmospheric multimedia installations, visitors are drawn into the origins of his creativity and invited to reflect on how personal and cultural contexts shape the creative spirit within us all.

Working within a limited budget, Sarner employed innovative graphic design solutions to achieve depth, atmosphere, and narrative flow without extensive set construction. Our team developed a cohesive visual language rooted in Shakespeare’s world: layered graphics, colours, textures, and typography were combined to produce atmospheric backdrops and transitions that intuitively guide visitors through the exhibition. Large-format prints frame and highlight key objects from the Shakespeare Birthplace Trust collection, allowing them to shine as centrepieces while remaining seamlessly integrated into the overall design. At the same time, dynamic storytelling and atmospheric multimedia ensure that every visitor - whether a Shakespeare enthusiast or a first-time guest - feels a personal connection to his story.

Separate from the core “Becoming Shakespeare” installation in the Shakespeare Centre, we also designed a new dedicated group entrance at 21 Henley Street - a property located a few doors down. This included a full graphic design scheme, with floor-to-ceiling wall graphics, supporting the Shakespeare Birthplace Trust’s revised operating model. Under this new approach, all large groups are welcomed through 21 Henley Street and enter the Birthplace via a dedicated entry point in the garden, rather than passing through the Shakespeare Centre as they traditionally have until now.