The Intelligence Factory, Bletchley Park
Bletchley Park’s Largest Exhibition Unveils the Stories of WWII Codebreakers
During the second half of World War Two (WWII), thousands of codebreakers decoded and analysed enemy communications in Block A, Bletchley Park.
It soon became known as The Intelligence Factory due to its industrial scale of operations. Over 9,000 people (75% women) worked in extreme secrecy, decoding mountains of data into actionable insights that would help win the war.
Fast-forward nearly 80 years, The Intelligence Factory reopened its doors to the public as an exhibition exploring the personal stories and critical moments of Bletchley Park’s operations from 1942 to 1945.
Leach collaborated with Marcon, fit-out contractors, and RAA, designers, for Bletchley Park’s largest exhibition on site. We produced and installed over a thousand graphics, ranging from large-scale MDF wall wraps to hundreds of printed Tyvek tabs.
Our brief was simple: to bring the untold stories of codebreakers to life. Hidden for decades, The Intelligence Factory is a flawless exhibition of Britain’s wartime efforts.
Photo Credit: Marcon
The grand opening was set for 28th April 2022, so our project managers planned a suite of graphic elements and displays to elevate the historical artefacts and stories presented in the exhibition.
The artwork was spread across sets, walls, doors and corridors, requiring meticulous coordination during design and installation. In multiple rooms, we printed directly to media on large, lacquered MDF panels, which recreated key operations, including the naval plotting room.
These MDF panels resembled maps, overlaid with projected graphics and a complex array of strings and map pins to help visitors track the changing course of WWII. Our team followed detailed instructions upon installation to ensure background artwork, maps, and projected images would align.
As we worked in this historic setting, we had to take great care not to damage the original walls that once housed this enormous operation. We assembled and applied large-scale illustrative stencils across walls and corridors, as well as screen-printed panels and doors.
We also produced over a thousand graphics, each with intricate placement requirements. We overlaid a collection of Tyvek labels onto MDF wall panels alongside mountains of printed memos and documents posted on noticeboards to symbolise the sheer volume of information these workers dealt with daily.
Our team also crafted bespoke printed books with embossed covers and clipboards for visitors to interact with and get a real sense of the work that was achieved. Across the exhibition, we installed interpretation panels in showcase boxes or next to historical artefacts. Some of the signage came complete with audio interactives, which visitors could engage to hear directly from the workers.
The industrial scale of secretive operations in Block A was once a heavily guarded secret. Through a detailed orchestration of graphics, signage and interactive elements, we brought the significance of The Intelligence Factory to light.
Reflecting on the exhibition, Dan Deakin, Business Development Director at Leach, said, “We were honoured to work in such a historic setting like Bletchley Park. Working with Marcon and RAA ensured that every aspect of the installation, right down to the placement of map pins, went smoothly. Seeing everything come together harmoniously was incredible and a true reflection of the quality of work we strive for in every project.”
At Leach, we’ve had the pleasure of delivering the most inspiring exhibitions and visitor attractions. From capturing the voices of Michigan’s Holocaust survivors to recounting the grand tales of ancient Greek Gods, we are passionate about creating unforgettable visitor experiences.
Explore our other case studies, or contact our team today to learn more.
