About

Art Hotel is now just me, Malcolm Kirton. After nine years working with a well known company in the heritage sector, I decided to hang up my own slate in 2012. I do design for exhibitions, concept design, print design, artwork and illustration under the Art Hotel banner.

With experience of over fifty projects, from large to small, I’m able to tackle many types of work – particularly graphics based and small installations – without support. For larger jobs and those requiring extra capacity, or for design and build projects I can call on the expertise of trusted colleagues. My network of associates includes 3D designers, writers, interpretation specialists, interactive designers, contractors and a veteran project manager. In the past three years I have worked with three experienced exhibition designers on museum projects.

I welcome enquiries on all types of exhibition or related print projects, no matter how small.

About the name

The trade name was taken from a small studio once located in a wood-frame bungalow in West Hollywood, CA. Art Hotel was originally owned by Christopher Whorf. Chris, the son of the actor Richard Whorf, had formerly been a senior art director at Warner/Reprise Records. In 1991, when the design business was making the transition to digital artwork, Chris employed me as a Mac specialist.

The experience gained working in Chris’ studio for three years taught me how to design — though I did not realise it at the time. I owe Chris a debt of gratitude (one I can never repay) for his mentoring and for his kindness. The borrowing of his studio name is in a sense my small tribute to a great designer and a fine man.

Projects

Some of the projects I have worked on since 1992:

• Lady Lever Art Gallery, Port Sunlight
• Modern Textiles Platform, MoSI, Manchester
• The National Woollen Museum of Wales
• Dragon Hall, Norwich
• Helmsley Castle (English Heritage)
• Herian: South Wales Industrial Heritage (branding)
• The Tank Museum, Bovington
• Ordsall Hall, Salford
• Basing House, Hampshire (interpretation and identity)
• Winterbourne House, Birmingham (interpretation and logo)
• The Hawley Collection, Kelham Island Museum, Sheffield
• The Museum of Wigan Life
• Durham Heritage Coast (branding, signage and interpretation)
• Charles Dickens Museum (graphic design)
• Preston Hall Museum (graphic design concepts)
• Forty Hall (branding and graphic design)