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

Mon 20 Jan 2020
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?

Photography exhibition at the Fox Talbot Museum by Carla van de Puttelaar

Sat 25 Jan 2020
11:00-16:00
A photographic exhibition of the work of Dutch artist Carla van de Puttelaar, entitled Adornments, will be on display at the Fox Talbot Museum at Lacock, from 25 January to 12 July 2020

Artist's reception with Carla van de Puttelaar

Fri 31 Jan 2020
18:00-20:00
For an exciting opportunity to meet photographic artist Carla van de Puttelaar, we invite you to join us for this evening event. Please book your free ticket to secure your place.

Look inside a Lacock cottage

Mon 03 Feb 2020
11:00-15:00
Peek behind one of Lacock's closed doors as we open our holiday cottage, 2 High Street, for you to explore. It's one of the oldest buildings in the village and was used as a green room for the cast of Cranford.

Valentine's Day flower count

Fri 14 Feb 2020
11:00-16:00
Looking for a nice romantic woodland walk? Or a fun day of flower spotting? We know just the place...

Spring flowers at Lacock Abbey

Sat 15 Feb 2020
10:30-17:30
Lacock's wooded grounds are full of wonderful flowers over the spring months, ideal for a gentle stroll.