Step, hop and dance into the history of Vauxhall Pleasure Gardens
Step, hop and dance into the history of Vauxhall Pleasure Gardens
Vauxhall Pleasure Gardens AR Trail
Reimagining the rich history of Vauxhall’s infamous Pleasure Gardens, Zubr has developed a series of augmented reality filters as part of an immersive trail which integrates AR technology with historical storytelling. The Vauxhall Pleasure Gardens AR Trail allows visitors to explore significant historical figures and architecture associated with Vauxhall Gardens in a fresh and interactive way, immersing them into the sprightly and scandalous events of the park’s heyday.
Imagine a maze of paths winding between the Grand walk, the Rotunda and Saloon, sparkling fountains, and elegant arcades. As the sun sets, the gardens glimmer with the enchanting glow of lanterns. Look closer, and you’ll spot people dancing, dining, and dreaming as fireworks burst overhead. Enter the enchanting world of Victorian Vauxhall and meet the entertainers who captivated and inspired the Garden’s guests!
The 12 exclusive Vauxhall AR filters are available on Instagram.
12
Acres
12
AR Filters
8
Iconic Figures
400
Years of History
Partners
The Vauxhall Pleasure Gardens AR Trail was a collaborative endeavour between Zubr and Vauxhall One, the Business Improvement District dedicated to promoting local culture and tourism within Vauxhall. Zubr are also grateful for the support of the Be in Vauxhall team.
We extend our gratitude to Lambeth Council for their provision of historical resources and facilitation of permissions. Additionally, we thank the local historians and archivists whose invaluable insights and detailed contributions have ensured the accuracy and richness of the AR content.
Rebuilding the Victorian Gardens
In order to reignite the magic of the Gardens, we created 7 different augmented reality filters which each capture an iconic character or architectural feature associated with the Pleasure Gardens and its surrounding history. Ranging from AR models to interactive filters, visitors can encounter the lively atmosphere of a night at the Gardens.
Architecturally focused filters included the Orchestra facade, the Dark Walk and the Gardens themselves. For the Orchestra, Zubr recreated the 1735 facade, bringing Vauxhall’s first original piece of architecture to life with twinkling lights, dancing couples and the sounds of a bustling evening at the gardens. Visitors are further immersed into the enchanting atmosphere of the Gardens as they traverse the Dark Wark, our AR filter revealing the notorious avenues shrouded in darkness and mystery, accompanied by the murmured conversations and scandalous titters of clandestine lovers.
For the Gardens themselves, we created an AR model of the layout of the site in 1751, which marked the pinnacle of proprietor Johnathan Tyers’s success. The model allows visitors to rotate, scale and examine the intricate avenues, archways and greenery of the gardens more closely.
The character filters also introduce a variety of iconic characters from the Garden’s history, including celebrated tightrope performer, Madame Saqui; the long-serving Master of Ceremonies, C. H. Simpson; tap dancer and footwork extraordinaire, William Henry Lane; and a vibrant AR wall mural of Lily Savage, projected onto the Royal Vauxhall Tavern in celebration of the legacy of the beloved Paul O’Grady. Augmented reality brings each historical figure to life, gripping visitors as they watch an animated Madame Saqui balance atop her tightrope, and be welcomed to the Gardens by the tip of C. H. Simpson’s top hat. Likewise, visitors can appreciate William Henry Lane’s footwork up close as they consider his contribution to modern dance.
Each filter can be accessed via the Vauxhall Pleasure Gardens website and social media, providing a light-touch AR experience that is easily accessible from visitors’ own devices. Visitors can also capture the moment and share their screenshots with friends, as a keepsake of their foray into the Victorian era.
An Assembly of Icons
To accompany each captivating AR filter, Zubr crafted a concise historical overview for each animation, mini game and selfie filter. By contextualising our augmented reality offerings, we provide visitors with a richer educational experience, offering accessible and engaging snippets of history.
To ensure a cohesive final project for our Vauxhall collaborators, we also revisited five previous augmented reality filters designed for Vauxhall. These filters reimagine an additional four iconic Vauxhall figures – balloonist Charles Green, lion tamer Isaac Van Amburgh, equestrienne performer Mademoiselle Caroline and pyrotechnician Sarah Hengler – whilst infusing the vibrant Victorian Vauxhall atmosphere into the “Love Different, Love Vauxhall” mural which can be found along New Spring Gardens Walk.
Delve into the Secrets of the Beau Monde
Developing an augmented reality trail for Vauxhall Pleasure Gardens has afforded Zubr an invigorating opportunity to bring a rich and vibrant segment of Victorian history to life. In order to preserve and share the history of Vauxhall Pleasure Gardens, this collaboration required an accessible and engaging approach, inviting visitors – particularly younger generations who may not be familiar with the Gardens’ significance – to explore historical AR using their own devices.
Harnessing the power of augmented reality as a tool for historical education and immersive storytelling, Zubr have produced a series of insightful AR filters that enhance visitor’s experience of the modern Gardens, whilst celebrating the diverse history of Vauxhall and the groundbreaking talent that has emerged in and around this unique historical site.
Claim Your Ticket to the Past
The 12 exclusive AR filters were a hit during the October half term, encouraging families to explore the Gardens and engage with the local Vauxhall community. Our initial aim was to create an innovative attraction to draw visitors to Vauxhall. The trail encourages exploration of the area on foot, benefiting local businesses and fostering a deeper connection to the community’s local heritage.
Through the Vauxhall Augmented Reality Trail, Zubr has successfully combined historical storytelling with a digital twist for visitors of all ages to enjoy, resulting in a memorable and interactive educational experience… and some hilarious selfies along the way!
