The virtual villa is a recreation of the Pompeian Court, a life-size replica of a house in Pompeii which was built inside the Crystal Palace. In 1936, a huge fire destroyed the Palace which had been a feature on the south London landscape since 1854. Lost with the massive iron and glass superstructure were the displays inside, in particular a series of Fine Arts courts which used reconstruction to show the artistic and architectural achievements of past epochs, from Egypt to the Renaissance.
Amongst them was the Pompeian Court, a life-size replica decorated with paintings traced from the wall frescoes uncovered in the city’s ruins. The virtual model of the Court, brings together a digitised collection of the paintings displayed in the Court as well as an archive of the guidebooks and press reviews which described it. Visitors can explore the house alone, join guided tours, meet other visitors, take part in learning activities, or even interact with virtual Victorian and Pompeian inhabitants.
More information:
http://www.bristol.ac.uk/news/2009/6753.html
More information:
http://www.bristol.ac.uk/news/2009/6753.html