July 2005 | Stowe House |
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| Continuum has completed a fascinating showcase of 18th century life for Stowe House in Buckinghamshire – to complement the second phase of restoration at one of Britain’s finest 18th century houses. The industry leader in the research, design, operation and marketing of tourism projects, Continuum designed and installed the brand new Interpretation Centre – an interpretative exhibition – to enhance visitor enjoyment of Stowe House. The new exhibition showcases the people, power and politics of 18th century Britain, including the stories of the Temple and Grenville families who owned and built Stowe house over many centuries. The exhibition includes an engaging audio-visual sequence showing a computer 3D model of the house over four different periods (from 1663–1779), using the latest virtual reality modelling techniques. This cleverly shows how the building has evolved through the ages, producing a house that is a major work of architectural importance on an immense and palatial scale. A touchscreen interactive display gives an intriguing insight into the restoration of the Marble Saloon – one of Stowe’s newly unveiled hidden gems. A unique and spectacular 17 metre high elliptical hall with a domed roof (inspired by the Pantheon in Rome), the Marble Saloon is an amazing feat of plasterwork, containing a magnificent carved triumphal frieze of 300 figures. The interactive display includes a 360 degree QTVR (Quick Time Virtual Reality) sequence showing a panoramic view of the frieze, along with interviews with the restoration team as they worked on repairing every inch of plasterwork on the roof, the ‘scagiola’ columns and marble floor. The exhibition also includes interpretation panels telling the history of the house, a scale model of the house and two pieces of fun interactive furniture, with wigs of the period to try on and a make-your-own coat-of-arms stamping desk. Erich Kadow, projects director of Continuum said: “The interpretation centre offers visitors an insight into Stowe’s fascinating history, giving a view of the house that they couldn’t otherwise get – showing how it has evolved over the centuries to be as it is today. The centre integrates a perfect blend of interpretation media – mixing visual graphics with tactile and AV elements – to offer something for every visitor.” Continuum’s Interpretation Centre has been produced in conjunction with the £8.26 million second phase of the restoration of Stowe House. This has included the restoration of the central pavilion roofs, the richly sculptured South Portico and steps, and the interior of the Marble Saloon. The Interpretation Centre along with Stowe House is now open to visitors (every Wednesday to Sunday) until the end of August, from 12 noon – 5pm. |
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