Bethany will be joining the Re-imagining Heritage panel hosted by Four Wheel Drive theatre tomorrow (Saturday, Feb 17) at York's historic Guildhall. The panel will speak on immersive technologies and storytelling and how these can be used to bring heritage to life.
The panel is part of a wider event which also includes immersive experiences telling the story of Margaret Clitherow's life, trial, and death.
The free event starts at 12 with the panel beginning at 3:15.
https://t.ly/Y6Iiv
Unveiling the Past with Reflectance Transformation Imaging
Topic: Technological tools for heritage
Reflectance Transformation Imaging (RTI)
Oswald Allen Memorial
Reflectance Transformation Imaging (RTI) is an innovative imaging technique that offers a unique way to capture and analyze intricate details of cultural artifacts, historical documents, and ancient relics. It enables the enhancement and analysis of intricate surface details of objects through the manipulation of light. Unlike traditional photography, which captures a static view of an object, RTI allows for the exploration of an artifact's surface from various angles, unveiling hidden details that are otherwise imperceptible.
The process involves capturing a series of photographs of an object, illuminated from different directions. These photographs are then processed using specialized software to generate an interactive, high-resolution image that allows for the manipulation of the lighting conditions virtually. The resulting RTI can be examined in detail, revealing fine surface features, textures, and inscriptions that may have been obscured or difficult to perceive under conventional lighting.
How is it being used in the Heritage Industry?
Artifact Conservation: RTI proves invaluable in the preservation of cultural artifacts. This technique can be used to document the condition of objects, monitor changes over time, and plan appropriate conservation measures.
Documenting Inscriptions and Texts: For historical documents or artifacts with inscriptions, RTI can bring faded or worn text to life. Using RTI, we can decipher ancient scripts or uncover hidden details that provide new insights into historical contexts.
Archaeological Analysis: In archaeology, RTI aids in the detailed examination of excavated items. It can be used to identify tool marks, distinguish between intentional and natural markings, and analyze the wear and tear on artifacts.
Reflectance Transformation Imaging has emerged as a powerful tool in the heritage industry, opening new avenues for exploration and understanding of our cultural past. Its ability to unveil hidden details and enhance the preservation of artifacts makes it an indispensable technology for the heritage sector. As technology continues to advance, RTI stands as a shining example of how innovation can bridge the gap between the past and the present, preserving our shared heritage for generations to come.
RTI results, Oswald Allen Memorial project
This article was written with assistance from ChatGPT
OpenAI. (2023). ChatGPT [Large language model]. https://chat.openai.com
Bethany speaking as panelist for "Careers in..." event
On 22 February, Bethany will be taking part in the “Careers in” panel for the event focused on Digital Heritage, Museum Policy & Management. The event seeks to explore skills needed for the future of the sector and focus on roles beyond the traditional curating, collections care.
For more information, visit University of York Careers and Placements.
Experience Heritage is York Press' Trader of the Week
This article was written by Maxine Gordon of The York Press and published on their website on 17 July 2022.
How brother & sister Bethany & Brant bring history to life.
PRESERVING our history is important in a city like York - but making it engaging for new generations is vital too. So take a bow Bethany Watrous and her brother Brant who are breaking new ground in how we bring history to life in the digital age.
The siblings have launched a business, Experience Heritage, which reveals our past through digital interactive media such as mobile apps and virtual reality. Recent work includes a downloadable heritage and nature walking trail through Tang Hall.
And with Bethany based in York and Brant in the US it is a truly international business - based, rather aptly, in one of York's finest historic buildings, Guildhall.
So congratulations on being our traders of the week.
Each week we are shining the spotlight on the independent businesses that really make York special.
If you would like to nominate a York trader - or perhaps you run a local business and want to tell us what makes you special - you can tell us more via this online form:
Here's more about Bethany and Brant's story:
How long has the business been going?
Experience Heritage is in its third year of business. Founder Bethany Watrous started the company as she was completing her Master's in Buildings Archaeology from the University of York. During this study, she realised there was a gap in the market for digital media companies who understand the specific needs and goals of the heritage sector.
What does it sell?
Experience Heritage brings history to life through digital interactive media. Using 3D models, mobile applications, augmented and virtual reality, and historical research, we help our clients tell immersive stories of the past.
Tell us about some local work
The latest project was for Parlormade Scone House where the team created a photogrammetry model of the interior and exterior. It was created by taking hundreds of pictures by drone and by hand and then using specialised software to lace those pictures together into a 3D model. They also added informational points around the model so people can learn more about this historical building on the Shambles.
They have also worked with the Tang Hall History Group, Tang Hall Big Local and St Nicks Centre for Nature and Green Living to develop an app called Discover Tang Hall. It's a heritage and nature walking trail app that helps people learn more about the people, places and green spaces of the Tang Hall area through text, image and audio content. It can be found on Google Play store or the Apple app store.
Why is this business special?
Creating digital solutions for visualising and communicating heritage, Experience Heritage’s mission is to help preserve cultural heritage around the UK and the world by helping heritage organisations create engagement and accessibility to heritage sites. With authentic digital storytelling, our work helps clients ensure crucial funding for conservation, staffing and upkeep.
There are few digital studios who specialise and have backgrounds in heritage. This dual specialisation in digital media and archaeological research means that we speak our clients' language, transforming historical research into immersive and interactive content to engage audiences of all ages, and creating heritage engagement solutions suitable for delicate historic environments.
How has it adapted during the Covid-19 crisis?
The main adaptation we've undertaken is a heavier focus on certain products we provide. The impact of Covid on our clients meant a shift in their solutions for delivering heritage to their audiences. Museums and heritage sites were searching for solutions to continue to engage audiences while in-person interaction wasn't always possible. This meant an increased interest in solutions such as 3D model online artefact exhibits and heritage trail mobile applications.
Won any awards?
Experience Heritage was recently named on the Digital Enterprise Top 100 Index. We were also nominated for the Federation of Small Businesses Sole Trader of the Year Award 2022, The Hustle Awards Most Innovative Tech category 2021 and was a national finalist in the Santander University Emerging Entrepreneurs competition in 2020.
Be our next trader of the week
Tell us your story more via this online form: www.yorkpress.co.uk/trader/
Director named "Most Influential Digital Media & Heritage Research Businesswoman 2022"
We are excited to announce that Director Bethany Watrous has been named "Most Influential Digital Media & Heritage Research Businesswoman 2022" by Acquisition International Magazine in their Influential Businesswoman Awards.
Visit here for the full award listing.
