We use forensic research methods to map complex systems and their impacts.
Materiality combines spatial mapping, coding and the analysis of large datasets to solve research problems that conventional methods miss. We have used our unique set of skills to track diffuse pollution, expose corporate secrecy and uncover social inequalities. Creative visualisation sits at the heart of our work, enabling us to tell compelling stories with data that supports movements and drives policy change.
What we do:
— Advanced Digital Investigations
— Data Visualisation, Mapping and Interactive Platforms
— Printed Maps, Interactive Models and 3D Maps
— Exhibitions
— Talks and Presentations
— Training and Workshops
Highlights:
- Unavoidable Impact findings cited in the House of Commons, the House of Lords and in Select Commitee proceedings. We presented in Parliament and the report influenced Sheffield City Council policy.
- Muck Maps was Compassion In World Farming’s highest ever viewed web page and recieved multiple national press articles.
- Stink or Swim was included in the University of Oxford TABLE research library and published in their newsletter.
- Who Owns Dartmoor? map collected by two museum and arts institutions, the Museum of English Rural Life and Grizedale Arts. Exhibited by the Museum of English Rural Life for the Radical Rural Trail and CPRE centenary.
- Chicken Shit/Cachu Iar presented and exhibited at Hay Literature Festival, and our Wye Muck Map exhibited the following year.
- Chicken Shit/Cachu Iar essays published by the Dark Mountain Journal and in audio by the Farmerama Podcast.
- Photojournalism published by the British Journal of Photography and the World Photography Organisation, and shortlisted for international photography awards. Shortlisted for the 2026 Tenacious Journalism Awards.
- Consecutive presentations at the Oxford Real Farming Conference, on Chicken Shit/Cachu Iar and Muck Maps
Feedback:
George Monbiot
“Materiality helped us bring a complex issue to life. Working from our brief, they created compelling muck and ammonia maps that clearly illustrated the pollution impacts of industrial pig and poultry units. Their ability to translate technical data into engaging, accessible visuals made the issue easy for the public to understand and played an important role in driving our campaign forward.”
Anthony Field, Head of Compassion In World Farming UK
"There are six times as many outdoor ads in the most deprived areas of England as there are in the least deprived. Extraordinary new report by @adfreecities which shows how much advertising affects health and how it targets low income communities."
Dr Chris Van Tulleken, UCL
“What they've exposed really does speak to society's ethics, and therefore it's something that Parliamentarians must in all conscience properly engage with ... I think it's no overstatement to say that the issues with which this report deals are really a matter of life and death for all of us”
Caroline Lucas, former Green Party MP
“Meaningful change is possible, and this report shows why it is needed and how it can be done. It’s a must read.”
Professor Emma Boyland, Chair of Food Marketing and Child Health, University of Liverpool.
“I even had the opportunity to discuss the impact of intensive poultry farming on the River Wye, with Peter, one of the artists, whose work shows the sheer scale and horror of pollution from these farms.”
Kerry McCarthy MP