Heritage Multimedia Limited has been appointed as the principle audiovisual consultant to the Cutty Sark restoration project. We have recently completed phase one of the project, which saw the design and creation of audio visual and interactive installations for the Cutty Sark Temporary Exhibition in the new Pavilion Visitor Centre.

The interactives have been designed to educate and enthral visitors to the world’s most famous tea clipper – they include information about the science behind the conservation efforts, and a ‘magic mirror’ in the saloon exhibition space that allows visitors to see an image of themselves alongside ‘ghosts’ of the crew.

The exhibition also features a 20-seat, multi screen cinema presenting the history of the ship and the plans for her future; and a green screen souvenir photography system installed by Heritage Multimedia Limited’s sister company Image Me, which enables visitors to have their photo taken in front of the ship as she will appear following restoration.

Another series of interactives utilises high quality CCTV camera systems and Heritage Multimedia’s cutting-edge in-house interactive software to allow visitors to watch and understand the conservation project in real-time at various locations inside and outside of the ship. The exhibition was completed and open in time to welcome crowds of visitors on the Easter weekend as planned.

Project Update…

Following the disastrous fire at the ship on the 21st May 2007, Heritage Multimedia has been working with the Cutty Sark Trust to increase public awareness of the ship’s plight and to raise the additional funding now needed for her restoration.

As a first step we have arranged the installation of a large screen and video system at the visitor centre to allow the Cutty Sark team to screen a film about the historical importance of the ship and the effects the fire has had on the restoration. It is estimated that the fire caused more than £11M damage and the cost of the restoration project has risen from £25M to £36M.

Heritage Multimedia Limited’s sister company, Image Me, is also contributing to the cost of the ships repair by donating 50% of the souvenir photography profits to the restoration fund. If you would like to find out more information about the Cutty Sark conservation project or make a donation, please call 020 8858 2698 or visit www.cuttysark.org.uk

Heritage Multimedia is now working on phase two of the project to create the audio visual and interactive installations for the permanent exhibition. These will be designed to augment the landmark plans to suspend the ship within a glass canopy above the visitor centre to give the impression that it is sailing.