The Story Of Emily
CLIENT:
Emily Hobhouse Museum
PROJECT LOCATION:
St Ive, Cornwall
PROJECT VALUE:
N/A
ARCHITECT:
N/A
PROJECT MANAGER:
N/A
CONTRACTOR
N/A
The Story of Emily is a cultural landmark in St Ive, Cornwall, dedicated to the legacy of Emily Hobhouse — a pioneering humanitarian, feminist and social reformer. Often referred to as the Emily Hobhouse Museum for clarity, the site combines heritage exhibits with a welcoming on-site restaurant serving South African-inspired cuisine.
Vision was appointed to design, supply and install a bespoke commercial kitchen that could meet the highest standards of function and form. Working closely with the client (also behind The Newt in Somerset), we delivered a solution that balances storytelling, sustainability, and service — all within the constraints of a Grade II-listed estate.
Designing for Storytelling and Service
This was never just about function — it was about narrative. The kitchen for The Story of Emily needed to meet strict performance criteria while feeling at home in a museum setting rooted in historical and cultural education.
Working closely with the client’s team, we developed a design that prioritised high-spec equipment and a strong visual identity:
Ambach was selected for the central cooking island, chosen for durability, clean aesthetics and hygiene level 3 construction.
Custom heat lamps and display cases added theatricality to the counter area, aligned with the museum’s immersive storytelling ambitions.
All surfaces, from the one-piece top to polished end panels, were selected to balance ease of cleaning with premium presentation.
We also collaborated with Cyclone Ventilation to install a TurboswingUV extraction system — combining energy-efficient filtration with an architecturally discreet appearance, suitable for the open kitchen environment.
Blending Modern Fit-Outs with a Historic Site
Delivering this project in a listed building came with architectural restrictions, fragile surroundings, and access challenges. But our approach proved that heritage sites can still house high-performance kitchens.
All ductwork and services had to be concealed or sensitively routed to maintain visual integrity.
Large deliveries (including the Ambach suite) required route planning and careful handling through narrow, cobbled lanes.
Design layouts were precision-engineered to fit around structural constraints, without compromising performance or flow.
Throughout the process, we maintained clear communication with the interior design, culinary and build teams to ensure full alignment. Our project manager, Stewart Osler, served as a single point of contact from initial planning through to final handover.
Installation in a Sensitive Environment
With construction ongoing around us, the installation phase demanded tight coordination and respectful site conduct. We implemented:
A phased delivery schedule with smaller vehicles and protective boarding to safeguard the estate grounds.
Pre-installation site visits to avoid clashes and ensure service readiness.
Waste minimisation processes and on-site protection for all equipment during the fit-out.
One of the most complex elements was the placement of a large glass wall separating the restaurant and garden. Its delivery required multiple cranes, a team of 18, and precise planning — just one example of the logistical complexity Vision helped overcome.
Testimonial
“Collaborating with Vision Commercial Kitchens to bring the Emily Hobhouse Museum to life has been a highly positive experience. Their attention to detail, from layout and equipment selection to installation, has been exemplary. Vision's commitment to sustainability not only exceeded our expectations but also added significant value to the museum. Despite the logistical challenges posed by our unique location, their team executed the installation seamlessly and with great care. We are thrilled with the outcome and deeply appreciate Vision's contribution to creating an outstanding visitor experience."
- Steve James