Real Mary
King’s Close

 

Client: Real Mary King’s Close
Project type: Visitor Attraction Shop
Location: Edinburgh

Background:

Mary King’s Close: A Hidden Gem Beneath Edinburgh’s Royal Mile Mary King’s Close is tucked away beneath the vibrant streets of Edinburgh’s busiest thoroughfare, the Royal Mile. At the heart of this attraction, The Real Mary King’s retail
space offers a curated selection of historical gifts, reflecting the unique heritage of the area. Inspired by 17th-century markets, the shop features an exclusive Plague Doctor collection, along with locally sourced gifts and artworks

The Real Mary King’s Close allows visitors to explore the alleyways beneath the historic buildings of the Royal Mile. After being closed for years, it reopened in 2003 to immerse guests in the experiences of those who lived through the 16th and 17th centuries. The attraction highlights the poverty and living conditions of the time, showcasing the impact of the bubonic plague on daily life and the community.

Background:

Mary King’s Close: A Hidden Gem Beneath Edinburgh’s Royal Mile Mary King’s Close is tucked away beneath the vibrant streets of Edinburgh’s busiest thoroughfare, the Royal Mile. At the heart of this attraction, The Real Mary King’s retail
space offers a curated selection of historical gifts, reflecting the unique heritage of the area. Inspired by 17th-century markets, the shop features an exclusive Plague Doctor collection, along with locally sourced gifts and artworks

The Real Mary King’s Close allows visitors to explore the alleyways beneath the historic buildings of the Royal Mile. After being closed for years, it reopened in 2003 to immerse guests in the experiences of those who lived through the 16th and 17th centuries. The attraction highlights the poverty and living conditions of the time, showcasing the impact of the bubonic plague on daily life and the community.

Unique Features:

Our team crafted bespoke joinery that seamlessly blends history with modern functionality. This project demanded meticulous attention to detail, ensuring every element aligned with the attraction’s unique heritage. Our understanding of the site’s historical significance guided the design, enhancing both the aesthetic and practical aspects of the retail space. From custom display units to realistic aged finishes, every component reflects the characteristics of the time, creating an engaging experience for visitors. Each piece was crafted to the client’s specifications, ensuring alignment with their vision. Built to the highest standards, the retail space will remains immersive and functional for years to come, effectively integrating our craftsmanship with the rich history of the location.

Techniques:

Creating the unique joinery required a blend of traditional craftsmanship and modern precision, providing both historical authenticity and functionality. Our team utilised various techniques to achieve this design, merging the historic setting with an inviting retail experience.

Specialist Joinery

A deep understanding of historical craftsmanship was essential for crafting custom joinery true to the 17th century. Our skilled team meticulously shaped each piece to the client’s vision, ensuring harmony with the historical heritage of The Real Mary King’s Close. By incorporating modern techniques, we achieved a balance of authenticity and modern practicality.

CNC Cutting

To ensure historical accuracy and precise execution, we employed advanced CNC cutting techniques. This allowed us to create intricate details that fit seamlessly within the historical theme. By combining expert technology with specialist craftsmanship, we brought the client’s designs to life with historically realistic elements.

CNC Design

Attention to detail was vital, as every aspect needed to reflect the rich history of Mary King’s Close. Our CNC design process enabled the creation of unique details that matched the site’s heritage. Through precision CNC milling, we transformed raw materials into beautifully detailed features, enhancing the immersive experience for visitors. Our careful approach ensured that every element contributed to the captivating experience envisioned by the client.