Visitors can now learn about the history of the former friary which was established in 1239 through five new heritage information boards with QR codes linking users to a downloadable app with detailed descriptions, audio, sliders showing past and present, and augmented reality, suitable for all ages.
Andy Hook, owner of Blackfriars and Giles Gasper, Professor of High Medieval History of Durham University came up with the concept for the interpretation panels two years ago which were then designed by Ben Smith of heritage development consultants, MGH with support from Newcastle City Council. Their content was designed by Andy and Giles with help and advice from colleagues and students from Durham University, including Dr Adrian Green, Dr Barbara Crosbie, Dr Eric Cambridge, Dr Amanda Herbert, Dr Matthew Clayton (who undertook a placement at Blackfriars during his doctoral studies), and PhD Student Florence Swan.
The app was developed by Animmersion, one of the UK’s leading suppliers of interactive 3D content and cutting-edge immersive technology solutions, and New Visions Heritage which specialises in historical interpretation and engagement. Local archaeologists, Dr Eric Cambridge and Alan Williams, specialists in Blackfriars history, were brought in to consult on the project and help create a new set of visual interpretations and 3D drawings of the Dominican friary.
The trail app has been supported by Durham University, the Hospitality Innovation Tourism Supply (HITS) programme which is funded by North of Tyne Combined Authority and delivered by NewcastleGateshead Initiative, Food and Drink North East and NBSL who also supported St Dominic’s Brewery at Blackfriars on the site of the former Brewers’ Guild meeting house which opened earlier this year.
Both the panels and trail app arrive on the back of Blackfriars’ Cloister Garden which was restored and relaunched in the spring of 2023. The scheme includes a vibrant all-weather level-access space fit for licensed outdoor performance, markets and other community activities with the aim of providing a better interpretation of the scheduled ancient monument’s unique history. Blackfriars also launched St Dominic’s Brewery in the former Chapter house overlooking the Cloister garden over the summer.
Andy Hook, owner of Blackfriars Restaurant which was voted Taste of the North East 2024 in the North East Tourism Awards said: ‘We’re absolutely thrilled to finally be able to reveal these brand new interpretation panels which link to this interactive and immersive heritage trail app. Despite the immense challenges of running an independent commercial restaurant business, we are equally passionate about promoting Blackfriars unique Dominican heritage in new and exciting ways. The project has involved historians, archaeologists, graphic designers and interactive 3D augmented-reality content specialists.”
Professor Giles Gasper added: “It’s wonderful to see the launch of the heritage trail at Blackfriars, the result of a fruitful collaboration with Durham University. Heritage is one of our most vibrant areas of research, across our departments, faculties, and with our partners. And this heritage trail is part of a longer collaboration with Blackfriars exploring historic foods with new audiences, inspiring chefs and the public with new tastes and experiences. Working with digital media has allowed us to visualise as well as to taste the past. Heritage is about the future – which this collaboration encapsulates.”
The trail app can be downloaded from app stores.
