Treason: People, Power & Plot

Projections and audio explore the ever-evolving Treason Act over its 670-year history

One of the most serious crimes a person can commit, treason, has been part of some of the most significant moments in British social, political and legal history.

Starting with the establishment of the 1352 Treason Act and ending in modern times, this exhibition revealed how the law is continuously revised, but the Act itself has remained relatively unchanged.

We created an introductory projection using vibrant motion graphics interweaved with archive imagery of portraiture and documents on display.

The treatment was inspired by the multispectral imaging process that the archive uses to examine manuscripts in different light wavelengths to reveal hidden information.

Accompanied by a powerful soundscape, a voiceover personified the voice of treason and explored its different forms.

The story explores how traitors’ plots and monarchs have interpreted and altered its definition for their own gain.

Other projections show portraits of traitors and their quotes revealed through particle animations.

Various audio points featured recordings re-enacting quotes from traitors’ confessions and letters to loved ones.