Society & State: Ireland Through
Its Records
Commissioned by the National Archives, EPIC designed and delivered the temporary exhibition Society & State: Ireland Through its Records at the Coach House in Dublin Castle. The exhibition, which marked the forthcoming release of the 1926 census, ran until September 2024 before travelling to the National Ploughing Championships.
As we approach the National Archives’ release (in 2026) of the 1926 Census, the first comprehensive and official accounting of the state that had so recently come into being, we look back on the official records held in the National Archives and explore what they reveal about life in Ireland since it came into being over a century ago.
Catherine Martin, Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media
Our first challenge was to refine the preliminary narrative framework developed by the client and the Royal Irish Academy. EPIC collaborated closely with all stakeholders to ensure the exhibition's storyline unfolded clearly and cohesively. We worked to enhance the historical narrative, mapping out how it would be delivered effectively within the unique exhibition spaces of the Coach House.
EPIC created a distinct visual identity for the exhibition, which included a logotype, colour palette, and typography to separate the exhibition’s sections. The unique layout of the Coach House required us to develop a bespoke visitor flow solution for the two exhibition rooms. We provided detailed 3D renders and walkthroughs, enabling the client to make key design refinements, ensuring an optimal visitor experience.
Once the interpretive plan was finalised, EPIC managed the procurement process for all specialist contractors. We prepared detailed production drawings and specifications for print, construction, lighting, and AV systems. Our team developed creative style guides and scripts for audio and visual content, including storyboards for historical newsreels. EPIC then oversaw the entire production, installation, and delivery process, ensuring each element was installed to the highest standard.
Adapting the exhibition for the National Ploughing Championships presented new challenges, including redesigning content for a different audience and space. We collaborated with the client to tailor the exhibition, removing certain sections while ensuring the integrity of the story. EPIC also redesigned the graphic panels to fit within the NAI’s existing display framework, all while managing tight deadlines between the Dublin Castle takedown and NPC setup.