AN innovative extended reality (XR) project has launched at Tatton Park telling the story of how an Italian artist came to Cheshire.
Tatton Park has announced a collaboration with Abandon Normal Devices for the Impossible Perspectives project.
The initiative, which is part of an XR development and commissioning programme in partnership with Cheshire East, brings together architecture studio CAN and design collective Peut-Porter for a series of workshops and creative activities.
These activities will be inspired by the iconic works of Italian painter Canaletto, whose masterpieces are part of the National Trust's collection at the Tatton Mansion.
Carol Hyde, the head of rural and cultural economy at Cheshire East Council and Tatton Park, said: "We are excited to commission CAN and Peut-Porter for this unique arts engagement opportunity at Tatton Park, which will help us develop innovative XR led immersive experiences for our visitors in 2026.
"This is a unique chance to explore Tatton Park’s collections, parkland, gardens, and mansion, to find out about the fascinating story of how ‘Canaletto came to Cheshire’ and be part of an exciting new arts venture in this wonderful setting."
Impossible Perspectives has been made possible with art fund support through the 'Reimagine' programme, and with public funds from Arts Council England and Cheshire East Council.
The 'ambitious' project promises to 'create rich immersive experiences, blending the physical and digital in new ways for visitors'.
Tatton Park visitors will also have the chance to immerse themselves in Canaletto's legacy at two interactive workshops on Saturday, September 28.
These include:
'Collaging Canaletto - You and Your Own Impossible Perspective
Between 11.30am and 2.30pm in the Knutsford Room at the Tatton Park Stableyard, step into the intricate landscapes of Venice as depicted by Canaletto and create your own digital collage inspired by his precise and detailed perspectives.
Participants will engage in a creative process that blends history with modern digital techniques, culminating in a unique 'tourist' photo set within their newly created digital world.
Suitable for those aged five and older, the duration of the workshop is approximately 40 minutes.
See Me Appear - Who Are You, Elizabeth Egerton?
And, from 12.30pm to 3.30pm in the Tatton Park Mansion, visitors can explore the untold stories of the women of Tatton Park, particularly the Egerton women, through a workshop led by Peut-Porter.
Visitors can engage in speculative re-visioning of the past, using immersive tools to imagine and contribute to the fictional narratives of these historical figures.
This workshop is suitable for ages 16+, where visitors can take part for as little as 10 minutes or up to an hour.
Drop-in workshops are free of charge, with no prior booking needed.
Visitors will need to pay for parkland entry to Tatton Park; details on pricing and opening times can be found online at tattonpark.org.uk.
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