Step into a virtual world with Mat Collishaw's Thresholds

Thresholds 2017 Play Video

This autumn, rewind time back to the dawn of photography with Thresholds, a new virtual reality artwork by Mat Collishaw. Using the latest multi-sensory technology, Thresholds will restage one of the earliest exhibitions of photography in 1839, when British scientist William Henry Fox Talbot first presented his photographic prints to the public.

Visit Thresholds and encounter an exhibition like never before, stepping back in time to one of the earliest exhibitions of photography in 1839. 

You will be able to walk freely throughout a digitally reconstructed room, and touch the bespoke vitrines, fixtures and mouldings; even the heat from a coal fire is recreated. A soundscape for Thresholds includes the sound of demonstrations of the Chartist protesters who rioted in 1839 on the streets of Birmingham, and can be glimpsed through the digital windows.

Visitor exploring the Thresholds exhibition; photo Richard Eaton
Thresholds Mat Collishaw by Richard Eaton
Visitor exploring the Thresholds exhibition; photo Richard Eaton
" You don’t understand how much you enjoyed the virtual world until you feel the urge to go back."
- The Telegraph

The original 19th-century exhibition, staged by the British Association for the Advancement of Science, celebrated cutting edge technological innovation. Unfortunately, Fox Talbot’s original images have faded almost beyond recognition with several of the surviving photographs existing only in light-proof vaults.  Through Thresholds, this exhibition not only restages an important historical exhibition but provides a way to view images that have since been lost.

Thresholds Visual 2017
Thresholds Visual 2017
Thresholds Visual 2017
" Collishaw has not recreated an historical experience, but has instead constructed an entirely new one."
- Frieze

Mat Collishaw is one of the UK’s most thought provoking contemporary artists, and the installation will be in place for you to visit from Saturday 16 September – Sunday 29 October 2017. 

Upcoming events

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The Explorer's Guide to Lacock

Wed 20 Feb 2019
11:00-16:00
The Lacock Abbey grounds are perfect for exploring all year round, with streams, gargoyles and botanic gardens all waiting to be found. What will you discover?

Spring flowers at Lacock Abbey

Wed 20 Feb 2019
11:00-16:30
With the appearance of snowdrops, crocuses and the sounds of birds shrilling through the crisp air, escape for a winter walk around the grounds at Lacock.

Photography exhibition at the Fox Talbot Museum by John Paul Evans

Sat 23 Mar 2019
10:30-17:00
These metaphoric photo series examine various points of view regarding gay marriage — with the pictures of ‘otherness’ fluctuating between the poignant, the comic, and a potentially disturbing presence in the domestic space.

Cadbury Easter Egg Hunt

Mon 08 Apr 2019
11:00-16:00
Bring the whole family together for fun and nature-filled discoveries as you spot the first signs of spring at Lacock. Follow the clues to finish your adventure with a delicious, chocolatey treat.

Healing Herbs in the Botanic Garden

Sat 20 Apr 2019
10:30-17:30
The Botanic Garden in Lacock's grounds will be bringing back the Healing Herbs border from last year due to popular demand.

Channel of peace

Sat 04 May 2019
10:30-17:30
The second in a series of artistic responses to the art commission 'Peace' at Lacock. Inspired by the place's history of sanctuary, contemplation and reflection, the artists will create a reflective experience.