VISITORS to one of Dorset's most popular historical attractions will be able to enjoy an augmented reality exhibition when it reopens.

Shire Hall Historic Courthouse Museum has announced the return of the 'Tolpuddle Martyrs Remixed' exhibition by award-winning augmented reality artist Jason Wilsher-Mill.

Visitors will be able to visit the museum in Dorchester and experience an augmented reality exhibition, celebrating the Tolpuddle Martyrs. It will be on show from when the museum reopens on August 3 until September 1.

Tolpuddle Martyrs Remixed is perfectly suited to a socially distanced museum visit to Shire Hall. Visitors download an app on their phone to interact with the artworks and watch as the art comes to life. Meaning they can still enjoy an interactive experience while abiding by government guidelines. The app even works with merchandise so that visitors can take a piece of the exhibition home with them.

The exhibition returns to Shire Hall after it was last displayed there in June 2019. The exhibition tells the story of the Tolpuddle Martyrs, six Dorset men who are considered the pioneers of the modern Trade Union movement.

Descendants of the Martyrs worked with Mr Wilsher-Mill on the piece and their voices can be heard in the exhibition. The artist also worked with local school children when he created the exhibition.

Mr Wilsher-Mill said: “The story of the Tolpuddle Martyrs is so important to me, as I feel so strongly that they were part of the same struggle, which my art reflects on. I am a disabled artist who makes art about my own life, and those within the disabled community who do not have a voice.

"The Martyrs were fighting for different rights, and their adversaries were different, but nevertheless they were part of the same movement of struggle. I am so proud of being able to tell their story and to be trusted by the Tolpuddle descendants, who shared their own stories with me.

"The art created, and accompanying augmented reality experience, was ground breaking and I was very pleased that I was able to share this with people of Dorset. Many of whom have become my friend.”

Abbie King, Director at Shire Hall, said: “It’s great to be able to offer an exhibition experience of this standard to visitors in Dorchester, at a time when many people will be staying closer to home.”