Terror and Wonder

The British Library drew from research by Stirling academics to help shape their major exhibition of Gothic literature and art, 'Terror and Wonder: The Gothic Imagination'. The exhibition, the largest of its kind ever held in a public institution, drew directly from a series of Stirling research projects and papers exploring the cultural impact of the Gothic from an international perspective. Our academics also worked directly with the British library to help curate the exhibition – from selecting works for inclusion, to writing exhibit placards, conducting promotional interviews, advising on layout and educating staff. The exhibition charted the evolution and influence of the Gothic over a period of 250 years, and included rare manuscripts of Dracula and Jane Eyre alongside everything from a vampire slaying kit to an Alexander McQueen dress and Stanley Kubrick's annotated typescript for The Shining.

The overarching goals of the collaboration between the University and the British Library were to offer an exciting new interpretation of Gothic history through a major exhibition, enhance revenue streams for the British Library’s exhibition space and explore how academic research can boost cultural engagement by creating a better visitor experience.

Beyond the show floor, research into the Gothic at Stirling also reached new audiences through a series of events related to 'Terror and Wonder'. During the exhibition's 16-week run, more than 8,000 young people participated in workshops led by British Library staff, who had received training from our researchers about the history, evolution and ongoing cultural impact of the Gothic. Researchers from the University also presented their insights directly to audiences at spin-off public lectures in Strawberry Hill House and the Old Operation Theatre in London – both of which hosted Gothic exhibitions coordinated and partly curated by Stirling researchers.

The level of positive engagement across all the events highlighted how shaping exhibitions around quality, innovative research can help to present familiar subjects in a fresh way, enhance audience participation and create new opportunities to share knowledge.