NMM – Royal River

Here's a screen-friendly version of our 5000 pixel-wide moving painting for the National Maritime Museum's amazing exhibition: 'Royal River, Power, Pageantry and the Thames', complete with behind-the-scenes footage..!

The looping animation adorns 4-screens above the museum's reception desk, and was visited by the Queen in April 2012. We like to think she stood awhile and reflected on the mastery of our digital trickery…. but we can't be sure.

We turned a Canaletto painting, 'London: The Thames on Lord Mayor’s Day, looking towards the City and St. Paul’s Cathedral (circa 1750)', in to a 3D environment which we explore. The water ripples, canons fire and flags billow in a truly immersive experience. The final sequence is a luxurious journey around Canaletto's painting, brought to life with technology. Installed in time for the Queen's visit, we had this response about the opening event from the National Maritime Museum: "People were having their photos taken in front of your animation rather than the actual painting!!! You’ve upstaged Canaletto!".

The painting itself is on loan to the National Maritime Museum and is in England for the first time since it was painted, over 260 years ago! Curated by David Starkey the exhibition runs from now until 9th September 2012, and we can well recommend a visit..

Director: Leo Bridle

Producer: Steve Smith

3D Artist: Phil Norman