Mather & Co, a leading visitor attraction and exhibition design consultancy, has detailed a new and improved heritage experience on the Scotland-England border.
Gretna Green is a historical site with a rich wedding heritage, dating back more than 260 years, sparked by the introduction of England’s 1754 Marriage Act. The legislation required couples to be aged at least 21 to marry without their parents’ consent, whereas previously consent wasn’t required unless under the age of 16.
Project director Kim Kherlopian says at Mather & Co said: “Working on Gretna Green has been a very unique experience for us because the building itself is one of a kind. Depicting the vast amount of stories and rich history that has passed through the building certainly was a challenge. We had to capture the pure essence of Gretna Green and all the romantic adventures that took place there without relying on objects to tell these stories.”
Capturing the essence of Gretna Green
Across the border rules were different, and in Scotland, couples over the age of 16 only required two witnesses to be present when declaring their intentions to be husband and wife. The result was a multitude of young couples escaping over the border to be married at the earliest opportunity, with the first place they often encountered being the Blacksmith’s Shop at Gretna Green.
Mather & Co managing director Sarah Clarke says: “To be part of the redevelopment of a much-loved and historic family business has been a real honour. People who visit this place can now experience that incredible history brought to life for the next generation of elopers and romantics.”
The stories of those who wed at Gretna Green are explored in the revitalised Experience, beginning with guests entering the pages of a giant storybook and watching as it unravels to tell the incredible tale of the Famous Blacksmiths Shop. A caringly curated timeline examined the heritage of Gretna Green which dates back to 1200.
Visitors can also discover authentic objects such as the marriage registers and furniture of Gretna Green, as well as the wedding dress of Dorothy Bell, grandmother of the owner.
The home of romance
At the epicentre of the new experience is “The Unbreakable Bond”, a 360-degree audiovisual film that brings the history of the site to life around the original anvil. There are thirteen audio-visual experiences in total for visitors at the home of romance.
The attraction, which has been awarded five stars by the Scottish Tourist Board, is still a wedding venue, as well as a dining and hotel site. Families can enjoy the museum, explore the courtship maze, or shop for clothing and jewellery.
Gretna Green chief executive Isabel Rhodes says: “It has been a pleasure working with the Mather & Co team over the past few years to develop this unique storytelling experience. The senior team at Gretna Green and Mather have put their heart and soul into creating this leading visitor attraction for visitors from across the world.”
Mather & Co also announced the opening of an exhibition that celebrates a decade since the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games this month, found at Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park.
