Step, Hop and Dance into the History of Vauxhall
Vauxhall Pleasure Gardens AR Trail
Reimagining the rich history of Vauxhall’s infamous Pleasure Gardens, Zubr has developed a series of augmented reality filters as part of an immersive trail which integrates AR technology with historical storytelling. The Vauxhall Pleasure Gardens AR Trail allows visitors to explore significant historical figures and architecture associated with Vauxhall Gardens in a fresh and interactive way, immersing them into the sprightly and scandalous events of the park’s heyday.
Imagine a maze of paths winding between the Grand walk, the Rotunda and Saloon, sparkling fountains, and elegant arcades. As the sun sets, the gardens glimmer with the enchanting glow of lanterns. Look closer, and you’ll spot people dancing, dining, and dreaming as fireworks burst overhead. Enter the enchanting world of Victorian Vauxhall with 12 exclusive AR filters and meet the entertainers who captivated and inspired the Garden’s guests!
Partners
The Vauxhall Pleasure Gardens AR Trail was a collaborative endeavour between Zubr and Vauxhall One, the Business Improvement District dedicated to promoting local culture and tourism within Vauxhall. Zubr are also grateful for the support of the Be in Vauxhall team.
We extend our gratitude to Lambeth Council for their provision of historical resources and facilitation of permissions. Additionally, we thank the local historians and archivists whose invaluable insights and detailed contributions have ensured the accuracy and richness of the AR content.
We loved the fact that they were equally as excited about celebrating Vauxhall’s history as we were, and that they approached every filter with creativity and play in mind. They were quick to respond to queries and feedback; worked collaboratively with us and with our marketing agency; and delivered the project ahead of deadline.
Isobel Pickles, Marketing & Communications Manager, Vauxhall One
Rebuilding the Victorian Gardens
In order to reignite the magic of the Gardens, we created 7 different AR filters which each capture an iconic character or architectural feature associated with the Pleasure Gardens and its surrounding history. Ranging from AR models to interactive filters, visitors can encounter the lively atmosphere of a night at the Gardens.
Architecturally focused filters included the Orchestra facade, the Dark Walk and the Gardens themselves. For the Orchestra, Zubr recreated the 1735 facade, bringing Vauxhall’s first original piece of architecture to life with twinkling lights, dancing couples and the sounds of a bustling evening at the gardens. Visitors are further immersed into an enchanting atmosphere as they traverse the Dark Wark, our AR filter revealing the notorious avenues shrouded in darkness and mystery, accompanied by murmured conversations and scandalous titters. For the Gardens themselves, we created an AR model of the layout of the site in 1751, which can be rotated and scaled to examine the intricate gardens more closely.
The character filters also introduce a variety of iconic characters from the Garden’s history, including tightrope performer, Madame Saqui; the long-serving Master of Ceremonies, C.H. Simpson; tap dancer, William Henry Lane; and a vibrant AR wall mural of Lily Savage, projected onto the Royal Vauxhall Tavern in celebration of the beloved Paul O’Grady’s legacy. AR brings each historical figure to life – watch an animated Madame Saqui balance atop her tightrope, be welcomed to the Gardens by the tip of C.H. Simpson’s top hat, or appreciate William Henry Lane’s footwork up close!
Each filter can be accessed via social media, providing a light-touch AR experience that is easily accessible from visitors’ own devices. Visitors can also capture the moment and share their screenshots with friends, as a keepsake of their foray into the Victorian era.
Each captivating filter was also accompanied by a concise historical overview. By contextualising our augmented reality offerings, we provide users with a richer educational experience.
An Enchanting Ticket to the Past
To ensure a cohesive final project for our Vauxhall collaborators, we also revisited five previous augmented reality filters designed for Vauxhall. These filters reimagine an additional four iconic Vauxhall figures – balloonist Charles Green, lion tamer Isaac Van Amburgh, equestrienne performer Mademoiselle Caroline and pyrotechnician Sarah Hengler – whilst infusing the vibrant Victorian Vauxhall atmosphere into the “Love Different, Love Vauxhall” mural which can be found along New Spring Gardens Walk.
The 12 exclusive AR filters were a hit during the October half term, encouraging families to explore the Gardens and engage with the local Vauxhall community. As this trail encourages exploration of the area on foot, it also benefits local businesses and fosters a deeper connection to the community’s local heritage.
Through the Vauxhall Augmented Reality Trail, Zubr has successfully combined historical storytelling with a digital twist for visitors of all ages to enjoy, resulting in an interactive educational experience… and some hilarious selfies along the way!
