The Launch – Press Release
Wednesday, 5th May 2010
History Speaks Through Technology at Beaulieu Abbey
Modern technology meets ancient history with the launch of The Talking Walls® application at Beaulieu Abbey on Wednesday May 19th. The Talking Walls® promises to completely revolutionise the way in which visitors to historic monuments explore their cultural heritage. The application brings elements of the Middle Ages into the present, allowing visitors to experience and understand the past in a way that surpasses other cultural heritage learning experiences currently available.
Press Release – Beaulieu Abbey & The Talking Walls
Visitors may use the kiosk to follow a visually rich, 3D personalised guide around the site, navigating through a unique KubeMatrix™ which represents the Abbey’s different eras and spaces. They are able to assume the role of any of the 9 historical characters such as King John, who founded in the Abbey in 1204, Abbot William Sulbury, a diplomat of high learning of the 1300s, or even the pretender to the throne Perkin Warbeck, who sought sanctuary at the Abbey nearly two hundred years later.
Lord Montagu’s daughter, Mary Montagu-Scott said: “Beaulieu Abbey is the perfect setting for the launch of The Talking Walls. The beautiful, serene and historic setting is now enhanced by this guide, which allows visitors to view the Abbey in its former glory. We are delighted to be the first location to showcase this exciting new technology.”
The kiosk application will be available for all visitors to the Abbey during their visit, with the ability to continue their exploration at home via the web, should they wish to. Following its predicted success, it will be adapted to suit other museums, heritage sites and historic stately homes across the country.