The Wadebridge School Creativity Club has been working hard on a project to upgrade the Breeches Buoy model that was left in the basement at the St Ives Museum. The model was originally created in the early 1900s, and is an important part of museum history.
Since early 2022 Software Cornwall and the Cornwall Museums Partnership have been attending afternoon sessions with Wadebridge School. The school Creativity Club is working with Phil Jones from the trust and Robert Wiltshire from Software Cornwall to fit out the model with the technology to get the students’ plans to work. The updated display will be unveiled to the public in March 2023, when the museum reopens after refurbishments. What was once a static display model buried in the far basement of St Ives Museum will shortly be taking a centre stage place at the visitor entrance.
The model will react to a viewer’s presence with lighting sound effects and images placed on a large monitor which replaces the original backdrop. This project is a great example of how creativity and technology can come together to create something truly special – we can’t wait to see the finished product!
The refurbishment aim is to allow visitors to explore the museum in a new and exciting way, as well as bring the collection’s artefacts to life. The museum is committed to providing an enjoyable and educational experience for all of its visitors.
In the coming year the hope is that the students’ next plan of an interactive Breeches Buoy game will be developed to attract a younger audience to the display.
Look out for the model when the museum opens its doors for the new season in March 2023.
