Project:
Collaborators: Ray Mills (Forres Heritage Trust), Marianne McInnes (Glasgow School of Art) & Dr Aude Campbell Le Guennec (Glasgow School of Art), Suraj P Suresh & Shashank Gedala
My Role: Design Researcher
Duration: 4 weeks
The Royal Hotel
Collaborators: Ray Mills (Forres Heritage Trust), Marianne McInnes (Glasgow School of Art) & Dr Aude Campbell Le Guennec (Glasgow School of Art), Suraj P Suresh & Shashank Gedala
My Role: Design Researcher
Duration: 4 weeks
OVERVIEW
Context
This project is in collaboration with The Glasgow School of Art & The Forres Heritage Trust.
What captivated me most was how the building, originally designed to host people from diverse backgrounds, remained dedicated to its core purpose despite changing ownership. From its days as a hotel to serving as a homeless shelter and eventually becoming a haven for students worldwide, the building has preserved its essence as a place of refuge and learning.
RESEARCH
Methodology
HISTORIC RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
Data collection:
1. Oral history interviews with previous owners
2. Archival research
3. Examined the building documents and Moray Council's archives
4. Historic photos
To organize the collected data, a chronological sequence was established, clarifying the building's progression over time and uncovering patterns and historical significance.
1. Oral history interviews with previous owners
2. Archival research
3. Examined the building documents and Moray Council's archives
4. Historic photos
To organize the collected data, a chronological sequence was established, clarifying the building's progression over time and uncovering patterns and historical significance.
A microfilm reader (Elgin Library)
George Washington Wilson’s photograph of The Royal Hotel, Forres (1880)
The train line in front of the hotel, currently a highway (1965)
DESIGN
Timeline Poster
The Beatles, also had an eventful stay at the Royal Hotel, Forres. However, their experience was quite distinct, perhaps due to undisclosed circumstances. Exploring the events of 1960 during their stay is a fascinating story that shouldn’t be missed.
Every aspect, from research, collecting photographic evidence, and typography size to spacing was meticulously considered.
RESULT
Outcome
This masterpiece was unveiled at the esteemed local exhibition held within the historic walls of the Forres Tolbooth.
The prints of this poster contributed to raising £1,280 for the Forres Heritage Trust
We even gave Carole Stewart daughter of Jimmy Stewart (former owner of The Royal) a copy of the poster.
We even gave Carole Stewart daughter of Jimmy Stewart (former owner of The Royal) a copy of the poster.
Img (L-R): Carole Stewart and her cousin signing the poster, the timeline at various history exhibitions by the Forres Heritage Trust
This timeline chart serves as a captivating narrative, skillfully designed to celebrate the legacy and heritage of the historic building.
It intertwines aesthetics and storytelling providing an immersive journey that educates, captivates, and leaves a lasting impression on the reader as they explore the remarkable history of this architectural treasure.