Client
Great North Museum
Location
The Great North Museum, Newcastle upon Tyne
Client
Great North Museum
Location
The Great North Museum, Newcastle upon Tyne
Project Details
Bringing Ancient History to Life
Roman Britain in Colour is a permanent installation at the Great North Museum in Newcastle, designed to reimagine the vibrant appearance of Roman altars as they would have looked 1,900 years ago. Through projection mapping and animation, the installation reveals the original colors of seven ancient altars while also providing visual interpretations of the gods and beliefs associated with them.
Project Details
Bringing Ancient History to Life
Roman Britain in Colour is a permanent installation at the Great North Museum in Newcastle, designed to reimagine the vibrant appearance of Roman altars as they would have looked 1,900 years ago. Through projection mapping and animation, the installation reveals the original colors of seven ancient altars while also providing visual interpretations of the gods and beliefs associated with them.
The Brief
Revealing the Lost Colours of the Past
The Great North Museum, in collaboration with Hadrian’s Wall Community Archaeology Project (WallCAP), sought to challenge the common perception of Roman stonework as plain and unadorned. Extensive research has shown that Roman altars were originally painted in vivid colors, but time has stripped them of their original vibrancy. The goal of the installation was to restore these lost hues digitally, offering visitors an engaging and historically accurate vision of how these artifacts once appeared, while also bringing to life the stories of the deities they honored.
The Brief
Revealing the Lost Colours of the Past
The Great North Museum, in collaboration with Hadrian’s Wall Community Archaeology Project (WallCAP), sought to challenge the common perception of Roman stonework as plain and unadorned. Extensive research has shown that Roman altars were originally painted in vivid colors, but time has stripped them of their original vibrancy. The goal of the installation was to restore these lost hues digitally, offering visitors an engaging and historically accurate vision of how these artifacts once appeared, while also bringing to life the stories of the deities they honored.
Our Response
A Fusion of Archaeology and Digital Art
NOVAK brought this vision to reality through detailed projection mapping, carefully reconstructing the original colors of the altars based on historical research. The projections seamlessly illuminated the ancient stone surfaces, restoring their striking pigments without physically altering the artifacts. In addition to color restoration, animated sequences were integrated into the installation, offering dynamic interpretations of the altars and the gods they represent. These animations provided historical context, enriching the visitor experience by deepening their understanding of Roman religious practices and artistic traditions. The result is a mesmerizing blend of history and technology, allowing audiences to see Roman Britain in a new and vivid light.
Our Response
A Fusion of Archaeology and Digital Art
NOVAK brought this vision to reality through detailed projection mapping, carefully reconstructing the original colors of the altars based on historical research. The projections seamlessly illuminated the ancient stone surfaces, restoring their striking pigments without physically altering the artifacts. In addition to color restoration, animated sequences were integrated into the installation, offering dynamic interpretations of the altars and the gods they represent. These animations provided historical context, enriching the visitor experience by deepening their understanding of Roman religious practices and artistic traditions. The result is a mesmerizing blend of history and technology, allowing audiences to see Roman Britain in a new and vivid light.
Credits
Credits:
Design, animation and mapping by NOVAK
Technical installation by ArtAV
Photography by Colin Davison
Credits
Credits:
Design, animation and mapping by NOVAK
Technical installation by ArtAV
Photography by Colin Davison
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