Cable & Wireless Collection I

HS Projects undertook an evaluation of Cable & Wireless’ art collection in 2003.

The collection had begun in the nineteenth century soon after the formation of the company, then at the cutting edge of communication technology laying the first transatlantic telegraph cables, followed by cables that reached as far away as New Zealand. The collection evolved over the years to reflect Cable & Wireless’ many technological advances.

Through close consultation with our clients, we assessed the relevance of the collection in the 21st century and helped to re-structure it. Cable & Wireless’ collection comprised of a range of 19th and 20th century artworks and was centred around its original core business of intercontinental telegram and telephone cable based communication systems. As the company changed from being a cable based telecoms company into a digital telecom organisation, the art collection needed to reflect that.

Our consultation work included producing a detailed report that assessed the condition and value of the collection with a number of recommendations. We also curated a programme of exhibitions from the collection throughtout the head office in Theobolds Road to encourage discussion and engage its employees in a dynamic way.