James Latham introduces Valchromat White Pearl to help realise Plaey’s innovative interlocking modular plinth system.
Putting on an art exhibition can traditionally be an incredibly wasteful process, consuming a large number of resources. This is particularly true of sets and temporary installations, which usually end up in landfills when a show has run its course. It’s a problem that specialist gallery and museum furniture designer Plaey wanted to tackle head-on.
Together with long-time timber, panels and décor partner, James Latham, Plaey created a new modular plinth system which, the company hopes, will end the throwaway culture associated with art exhibitions.
The system is stackable, meaning each component can be neatly slotted together and stored safely when not in use, requiring minimal space.
Plaey founder Matt Kelly says: “I wanted to address the challenges associated with art exhibition and gallery plinths, particularly the offcuts and waste created during their production and how they are regularly scrapped at end-of-life. It was about looking beyond single-use to develop a circular solution.
“My lightbulb moment came when my son and I were playing with a well-known brand of interconnecting building blocks. I thought about how this could be applied to temporary furniture and installations, to achieve something agile and scalable that’s easy to assemble and store.”
When the James Latham panels team was briefed on the project, they realised it fitted with their own commitment to sustainability, and were keen to be involved in.
Finding the perfect fit
Plaey decided to use Valchromat, a premium full-colour MDF that combines the visual neutrality, sustainability, strength and workability required for this niche application.
Plaey was familiar with Valchromat’s qualities, having previously used it on a number of premium furniture pieces. Its light weight, durability, and attractive appearance made it the perfect material, delivering a functional blank canvas that enables creative freedom while meeting the rigorous demands of exhibition spaces.
The consistency of colour throughout each panel, combined with the ultra-smooth finish, enhanced the visual impact to create practical and strikingly beautiful plinths.
The system can also be manufactured in any colour to fit the style and aesthetic of different exhibitions. While there are plenty of hues to choose from, Valchromat’s newest board, White Pearl, has emerged as the most popular colour choice, aligning with the standard whitewashed aesthetic commonly used in exhibition staging. The novel system also features easy-to-assemble floor plinths and vibrant yellow Valchromat tiles for labelling.
Assembling a new standard
Recently debuted at Abbott Hall, in Cumbria, Plaey’s system took centre-stage at the Ecology Gallery, where the plinths received enthusiastic feedback from visitors and gallery staff.
Matt adds: “The feedback has been overwhelmingly positive. The beauty of this modular system lies in its ability to adapt to different spaces and needs. It empowers galleries, event organisers and production teams with greater flexibility, making it easier for them to work more sustainably.
“I’d particularly like to thank James Latham, who donated the materials to get this project off the ground at prototype stage and for its continued generosity and ongoing support.”
The project has already sparked considerable interest from other galleries, leading Matt to explore potential patent options and additional applications, including tabletop designs.
* This article was originally published in the Spring 2025 issue of Supplying Timber magazine.
