Six augmented reality binoculars now installed across Ipswich invite residents and visitors to step back in time and experience the town as it was in the Victorian era.
Unveiled on Friday, January 9, at a launch event in Christchurch Park, the devices offer a glimpse into the Ipswich of the 1890s, complete with gas-lit streets, electric trams, and working docks.
Neil MacDonald, leader of Ipswich Borough Council, said: “Congratulations go to everyone who made this happen.
“Unique content has been developed with generous donations of time, resources and expertise and we thank them all for their contributions.
“Photographs from the Ipswich Maritime Trust’s Image Archive helped inform what you’ll see through the binoculars.
“Our partners at the AR/VR technology agency Zubr have been involved in the project at every step, providing both the hardware and software, designing the content, and ensuring these amazing virtual reality binoculars are a fantastic addition to Ipswich.
“They currently let you glimpse a part of our past, but new content will be added over time – maybe even letting us look into the future.”
The binoculars were commissioned by Ipswich Borough Council and don’t require a smartphone, downloads, or sign-ups.
Designed to be accessible for all ages and abilities, they are free to use and located at six sites across the town centre and waterfront.
Themes include Christchurch Park and 1,000 Years of Tranquillity, Ipswich Cornhill and Heart of a Victorian Town, and Buttermarket and Centuries of Trade and Street Life.
Stuart Grimwade, creator of the Ipswich Maritime Trust’s Image Archive, said: “Ipswich is fortunate that in Victorian times there were local pioneer photographers whose early images have survived to give us a window on their world, so that we can use them now in digital ways that they couldn’t have imagined.”