What are Interpretation Panels?

Interpretation panels are found in museums, art galleries and outside on nature trails and historic sites and give viewers a greater understanding of their surroundings. Text and images are used to convey information in an easily digestible form, bringing a site’s unique story to life. 

A.J Wells & Sons produce interpretation panels/boards for:

• Amusement parks
• Churches & parish councils
• Coastal pathways
• Discovery trails
• Galleries
• Local councils
• Museums
• Sites of historical significance
• Universities 
• Woodland trusts
• Many more…

Selected interpretation panel projects:

Irish Coastal Causeway – a complete bespoke signage scheme installed along the Causeway Coastal route from Benone to Carrickfergus in Northern Ireland. 17 locations along the coast and 26 different styles of sign with 86 signs being required.

Exmoor Interpretation Boards– With the backing of The National Lottery, A.J Wells re-signed Exmoor National Park with interpretation boards for Langham Engine House. We developed the interpretation panel boards and wayfinding system and manufactured and installed the signage.

Science Museum – A.J Wells & Sons were commissioned to produce illustrative vitreous enamel interpretation panels for the WonderLab interactive gallery at London’s Science Museum. This area is an immersive, playground-like, experience divided up into zones to include; Light, Sound, Forces, Maths, Electricity and Magnetism. The interactive experience is designed to ignite curiosity, fuel the imagination, and inspire you to view the world in new and exciting ways.

Manor Farm – A.J Wells & Sons produced a series of fantastic Interpretation and Wayfinding signs for several new woodland discovery trails, now open at farm parks across the country. These trails bring to life the delightful World of Dinosaur Roar children’s books and characters that were created in association with the Natural History Museum.

Interpretation Panel Materials

The panel itself is just one aspect to consider. Depending on the location the sign structure’s design and materials will need to be carefully chosen. Interpretation panels that will be installed outdoors need to be weatherproof and durable. An area of outstanding beauty will call for a design that is sympathetic and blends in with its surroundings. We also offer powder-coated and toughened glass as options for those looking for a different aesthetic.

The panel itself is best made from vitreous enamel. It is an ideal material as it is the most durable option on the market while being colour-fast meaning text, images and colours will never fade. It also benefits from being highly vandal resistant and requiring minimal maintenance. It is a heritage process that creates an aesthetic that suits interpretation panel contexts perfectly.

We offer a range of framing and mount solutions in aluminium, stainless steel, wood and stone. Our full in-house capability, blending the very latest technology with heritage techniques, allows us to also take on bespoke project requests at any scale.

For information and to discuss your interpretation panel project, get in touch here.