Number Please! Telephone History Exhibition

Number Please! was a temporary exhibition designed for Yagan Mia Wireless Hill Museum that explores the history of telephones in Western Australia. The exhibition brings together objects, stories and technology dating back to the late nineteenth century, tracing how communication has changed over time.

The brief called for a visually striking exhibition that felt energetic and surprising. Creative Spaces drew inspiration from the idea of static noise, translating this abstract concept into a physical and graphic experience.

Red welding screens were repurposed as translucent walls, creating structure while distorting views through the space. This introduced moments of surprise and disruption, echoing the exhibition’s theme. Graphic design referenced vintage telephone directories and advertising, with mis-registered imagery used to suggest interference and signal loss.

The result is an engaging and memorable exhibition that balances education with visual impact. It offers visitors a fresh perspective on familiar technology and highlights the evolution of communication in Western Australia.