Curio Case: Bringing Art, Design, Curation, and Creativity Together
Building on our Cabinet of Curiosities– a modular, reconfigurable display system for showcasing the works of the CFPR’s artists in residence programme- the Curio Case is a smaller, more portable, accessible design. It enables creatives of all ages to curate their own exhibitions, either of their own artworks or using a thematic selection of print-works from CFPR.
The design intent of this piece is to evoke playfulness and curiosity while inspiring creativity. We invite curators, creatives, and artists- whether adults or children- to critically consider how artworks are placed within a confined display module.
Although designed to be used and displayed independently, the Curio Case can also be paired with our mobile print studio, enabling participants to create their own artworks.
The case and exhibition modules are made from a combination of pine and poplar plywood, which is a natural colour, stable, and lightweight. The hanging modules feature a pegboard for ease of hanging works. The boards have rounded corners and edges, making them easy for all ages to handle. Sandblasted aluminium is used for the module hangers, which are subtle yet designed in a playful shape for simple attachment and removal. All fixings and fittings are finished in black, including blackened steel bolts and 3D-printed hooks, providing a consistent and refined aesthetic.
As with the original Cabinet of Curiosities, the Curio Case was made entirely at CFPR. Custom jigs were developed for shaping the round legs and cutting joints. The aluminium components were CNC-milled and sandblasted in the university’s engineering department. At the same time, elements of the modules were CNC-routed with support from the architecture department’s technical team.
The Curio Case is available for hire for curators, schools, art clubs, galleries and beyond. It is an excellent teaching tool for all ages.
For more information or to book the Curio Case, please get in touch with cfprinfo@uwe.ac.uk.
