Down House: Darwin’s Bedroom - AWARD

The current interpretation at Down opened on 12 February 2009. Though the project was well received with a significant visitor number uplift, the room currently used as an Interactive Room on the 1st floor is showing signs of tiring and the majority of mechanical and AV interactives are beyond mending.

Although they offer insight in Darwin’s scientific research they are a poor use of a significant room - it was Darwin’s bedroom and where he died. Additionally, they do not present the room to its best advantage as they block the important views of the garden, which he perceived to be an extension of his study.

The room is to be cleared and redressed as Darwin’s bedroom using historic props. The new interpretation and presentation will explore the more historic and personal nature of the room which is well documented. The importance of the gardens to Darwin’s research and well-being, of which the bay windows offer a great vantage point, will also be explained.

As well as the Bedroom we will also open the adjoining Dressing Closet, a space previously not open to visitors. There is much archival and biographical evidence to indicate how these rooms once looked, including letters, diary entries, an inventory drawn at Darwin’s death and surviving historic objects.

These two neighbouring rooms will be full of life and continue to engage families with some hands-on experience. The Dressing Closet, for example, could contain period night and day clothes similar to Darwin’s. These improved rooms will sit more comfortably with the architectural and historic context of the house, providing visitors with increased insight of Darwin at home and a more intimate understanding of him and his family.

In addition to opening the two rooms, a new children’s trail covering the whole house will be delivered to families to increase their enjoyment of the property and engagement.