Augmented Reality Exhibition Explores Historical Court Cases

An augmented reality (AR) exhibition is currently presenting the true accounts of individuals who faced trials within a historical courthouse. Titled “Voices From The Courts,” the display at the Old Magistrates’ Court on Bridewell Street in Bristol investigates the experiences of various defendants from the Victorian era, including suffragettes and children. The exhibition was developed through a collaboration between the youth charity Creative Youth Network, young people in Bristol, and the city’s dBs Pro studio. This installation is a permanent fixture within the building, which welcomes visitors from 09:00 to 21:00 on weekdays. Attendees can utilize a mobile application to scan photographs, employing AR technology to navigate through the narratives presented. Among the individuals featured is Theresa Garnett, a suffragette who assaulted future prime minister Winston Churchill with a dog whip in 1909, exclaiming, “Take that, take that from the women of England”. Jay Auborn, head of creative at dBs Pro, stated, “This was premeditated, she wanted to get arrested and to use the courts as a platform to bring awareness to the suffragette movement.” Ms. Garnett was 21 years old at the time of her trial and subsequently incarcerated in Horfield. Another depiction highlights Edmund Harris, a 10-year-old boy accused of “wandering the streets” in 1890. During his trial, the legal system served to safeguard him after an examination revealed he had bruises inflicted by his abusive father. The court ordered him to attend school in Portishead, and he later moved to New Orleans. The exhibition further presents the narrative of Henry Burchell, an artilleryman charged with public intoxication and disorderly conduct in 1890. Mr. Burchell’s arrest occurred while he was dressed in women’s clothing, and his male identity was only ascertained upon his arrival at the police prison cells. The local press characterized him as a “foolish freak” during his trial. “They made an example of this, because the police didn’t realise he was a man and it embarrassed them.” Rosie Fenlon, who serves as head of fundraising and communications at Creative Youth Network, described the project as “amazing” to be involved with. She added, “Young people have been an active voice in this project from the beginning.” Fenlon also noted, “Working with people like dBs Pro, it brings people who wouldn’t get experience in the creative industries, and helps them succeed.” Details for following BBC Bristol on Facebook, X, and Instagram are available. Story submissions can be sent via email or WhatsApp at 0800 313 4630. This content is Copyright 2024 BBC, with all rights reserved. The BBC states it is not responsible for the content of external sites and provides information regarding its approach to external linking.