We have a wonderful new interactive machine in our lower galley. It is a replica of an 18th century optical cabinet, built and donated by early and pre-cinema expert Stephen Herbert, who sadly died last year. Stephen modelled the cabinet on an original sold at auction in 2001. This was a 'Feux Pyriques' cabinet in mahogony, which incorporated a number of moveable frames to create different effects, including one that mimicked a firework display. We have retained Stephen's original clockwork mechanism but have worked with Chris Leaver and his engineers in Technical Services to install battery lighting and a system where the public can operate the device safely.
Thanks to Chris and his team and of course to Stephen and his partner Mo for gifting the cabinet to the museum.
The cabinet is now installed in the lower gallery. Press the button down for a few seconds and see the cabinet light up and start moving!
