Unlocking the Cage | Kim Sherwood

Unlocking the Cage is an immersive augmented reality experience that brings to life the captivating stories of female writers whose works lie in Exeter Library’s special collections – a space known as ‘the cage’.

Of the 800 books in the collection, only 8 are written by women.

This project shines a light on the lives and works of four of these pioneering women, celebrating their contributions to literature and history.

Unlocking the Cage has been researched, written, and narrated by award-winning author Kim Sherwood.

Known for her debut novel Testament and as the first woman to write a James Bond novel, Kim brings her storytelling expertise to this project, weaving a rich tapestry of history, struggle, and triumph.

The installation combines Kim’s powerful narration with Sarita McNeil’s beautiful illustrations and an original score by John Matthias and Jay Auborn.

Together with the creative audio company dBs Pro and augmented reality developer Zubr Curio, these elements form a unique AR experience that transports visitors into the world of these remarkable women.

Kim Sherwood reflected on the project:
“Though there are only 8 books written by women in the Cage, these few names represent a long revolution, from the rise of Bluestocking salons to the campaign for female suffrage. Immersing myself in the lives of these pioneering women connected me to a line of writers stretching back to the eighteenth century. I’m thrilled to bring their inspiring stories into the now with this exciting collaboration.”

Unlocking the Cage is a 28-minute experience that can be enjoyed alone or in groups of up to 4 people.

You’re in control of your journey – turning the pages of the book to navigate through stories of courage, creativity, and defiance.

The installation is free to experience at Exeter Library, where it has now found its permanent home following a successful tour of hosting libraries.

Visitors can explore the untold stories of these women, brought to life through audio, visuals, and augmented reality.

Visit our Events page for details of related workshops and activities.

To delve deeper, you can read Kim Sherwood’s full Unlocking the Cage essay as an eBook – an exploration of the revolutionary women whose voices echo through the pages of history.