Ashes to Fashion Ulster Museum

Marcon was appointed Principal Contractor to deliver the full exhibition fit‑out for Ashes to Fashion, a temporary exhibition in Gallery 5 and 6 at the Ulster Museum. The project involved the technical development, fabrication and installation of all bespoke exhibition furniture within a fast‑track programme.

Marking 50 years since the 1976 Malone House fire, which destroyed the Museum’s historic fashion and textile collection, Ashes to Fashion tells the story of its remarkable recovery, displaying nearly 100 garments, textiles and accessories acquired over five decades.

Working from the Museum’s curatorial and design concept, Marcon realised the exhibition across three distinct gallery spaces:

·         Introductory Gallery featuring large flat and angled museum‑grade plinths for delicate historic textiles

·         Central Island Gallery centred on a dramatic multi‑bay island with radiating walls displaying garments from the early 18th century to the 1950s, including elevated displays integrated into a structural spine

·         Accessories & Contemporary Gallery incorporating bespoke plinths and a feature wall of 48 individually lit display boxes with concealed electrical services

Marcon delivered all technical design, off‑site fabrication, integrated lighting, graphics, installation and finishing, working within the constraints of a listed, live public building. Attention was given to high‑specification finishes, lighting coordination and visitor safety.

Sustainability was integral to the project, with demountable construction methods, responsible material specification and a planned takedown strategy to maximise recovery and reuse following the exhibition’s close.