3D model offers chance to come face to face with Mary Queen of Scots
To mark the anniversary of Mary Queen of Scots’ death, Historic Environment Scotland (HES) has released a digital 3D model of her death mask.
Article Source: Historic Environment Scotland (HES)
Last Updated: 8 February 2024 11:54
Today marks 437 years since Mary Queen of Scots was executed yet she remains a prominent figure in history. Yueqian Wang, Digital Innovation trainee, has created the digital model of the death mask as part of her training at HES, offering the public a new way to view and interact with their collection.
The digital model of the mask was created through a process called photogrammetry, where hundreds of overlapping high-resolution photographs are taken around the object and then analysed by software to work out their relative position. These aligned photographs are then used to create an accurate photorealistic 3D model of the object with detailed editing work needed to ensure colours are true to the object, remove the noise on the mesh model, and apply an accurate texture to the digital rendering.
The Digital Documentation and Innovation team at HES works to digitally document in 3D the properties and objects in its collection and uses new technologies to widen access and help increase our understanding of the past. The digital documentation of historic sites and objects gives new opportunities for those in the sector, as well as the public, to access detailed models, even if they are physically far away, and is fundamentally changing the way we interact with history.
Yueqian Wang, Digital Innovation trainee, said, “Creating this model was hugely interesting but also challenging because I had to find ways to work round the metallic reflections and shadows captured in the photography, and make sure I was happy at each stage with what the software generated. I’ve always been interested in sharing stories from history with a wider audience as well as the practical side of heritage conservation. Digital Innovation is a perfect approach to work in both areas – I can share stories of the heritage object with more people by creating digital models, as well as supporting conservation experts by collecting detailed 3D data sets. The traineeship has given me the chance to work on fascinating projects, going on site visits across Scotland, seeing historic objects up close and learning how cutting-edge technology can be used in the heritage sector.”
Death masks are a mould taken of an individual’s face after death and have been made by different cultures across the world for thousands of years. Usually, masks would be created by taking a cast or impression of the deceased’s face which could then be used as a mould to create the final mask, often in wax or plaster. The mask of Mary Queen of Scots in the HES Collection is a plaster cast taken from her tomb effigy in Westminster Abbey.
The digital 3D model is available to view on Sketchfab and a video of Yueqian talking about the process to create the model and her wider role is on YouTube.
Image credit: CREDIT Historic Environment Scotland
Image: Digital Innovation trainee Yueqian Wang face to face with digital 3D model of Mary Queen of Scots' death mask
Sponsored Links
Latest Stirling News
Edinburgh Butter Company announces search for the Best Croissant in Scotland
The Edinburgh Butter Company is excited to announce the launch of Scotland’s first-ever croissant competition, open to bakers across the country.
READ MORE
Swede dreams as Dunblane glass blower chosen to design prizes for SAY Award Design Commission
Contemporary glass maker Elin Isaksson has been chosen to create the awards for Scotland’s national music prize the Scottish Album of the Year, via this year’s SAY Award Design Commission.
READ MORE
Get ready to be blown away... Twisters returns to 4DX at Cineworld
Hold onto your popcorn, because Cineworld is thrilled to announce the whirlwind return of the blockbuster hit Twisters to 4DX screens nationwide, due to an overwhelming tornado of popular demand!
READ MORE
The Force reawakens at Vue venues in Scotland this September as the Star Wars saga returns to the big screen
Film fans are invited to revisit a galaxy far, far away this September as every main Star Wars film brings some of cinema's most iconic heroes and villains back to the big screen.
READ MORE
Great Scottish Run: 4 weeks to go
Are you ready to take on Scotland's greatest running event at this year's AJ Bell Great Scottish Run in Glasgow on Sunday 6 October?
READ MORE
Cast announced for Christmas show at Macrobert Arts Centre
Macrobert Arts Centre has announced the cast of Santa's Magical Lighthouse, to be performed this Christmas at the Stirling venue.
READ MORE
Unique venue offers the perfect stage
Festival-goers attending the fourth Music at the Multiverse festival at the weekend enjoyed fantastic live music, sunshine and showers in one of Scotland’s most spectacular outdoor venues.
READ MORE
Thousands from Northern Ireland set sail for Scottish universities
Students go FREE with Stena Line on Cairnryan and Liverpool routes.
READ MORE
Opportunity to shape the future of libraries in Stirling
Residents are being asked to shape the future of Stirling Council's libraries in a new consultation.
READ MORE
National Wallace Monument drawings on public display for first time
A rare opportunity to study the plans that led to the construction of the National Wallace Monument will form the centrepiece of a double birthday celebration this week.
READ MORE
Scottish Borders winter light trail, Monteviot Lights, returns for a second year
Prepare to be enchanted once again this winter as Monteviot Lights returns to Monteviot House & Gardens!
READ MORE
Social Bite encourages Scotland to hop, skip or jump to help end homelessness
Participants can choose any novel way of racking up 100 miles this September to help raise crucial funds for those who need it most in the UK.
READ MORE
Go fourth! Stirling schools pipe band celebrates World Championship success
The Stirling and District Schools Pipe Band are celebrating after being named fourth best in the world!
READ MORE
Central Scotland Documentary Festival 2024 announces lead film as Meet The Buchanans
Meet The Buchanans is announced as the lead title in Macrobert Arts Centre's Central Scotland Documentary Festival (CSDF).
READ MORE
Entertainers launch brand new Michael Jackson tribute show, Man in the Mirror
Today, on what would have been Michael Jackson's 66th Birthday, entertainers launch their brand-new show; Man in the Mirror – A Tribute to Michael Jackson.
READ MORE
Annual Salvesen Lecture at University of Edinburgh will address ADHD in Women and Girls
Distinguished Senior Consultant Physician and psychiatrist Lotta Borg Skoglund will present groundbreaking research which challenges outdated views on female ADHD.
READ MORE
Montpeliers founders among winners at the 2024 Scottish Bar and Pub awards!
The winners of the 2024 Scottish Bar and Pub Awards have been revealed!
READ MORE
Loch Lomond Food and Drink Festival is back this September
With Chef Demos, Cocktail & Mocktail Masterclasses and Wild Food Walks!
READ MORE
Celebrate National Cinema Day at Vue venues across Scotland
Film fans can get their big screen fix at Vue for just £4 this Saturday (31 August) as part of National Cinema Day!
READ MORE
Nominees announced for Scots Language Awards 2024
The nominees have been unveiled for the Scots Language Awards 2024, with 50 outstanding organisations and individuals in the running for 12 awards at the annual ceremony next month.
READ MORE
Dynamic double bill from Scottish Dance Theatre set to tour the UK this Autumn
Fresh from a hit run at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, where it earned critical and audience acclaim, Scottish Dance Theatre is taking its groundbreaking double-bill The Flock & Moving Cloud on tour.
READ MORE
Special event to celebrate 20th anniversary of Fair Trade Stirling
People are being invited to a special celebration at Forth Valley College next month to mark the 20th anniversary of Fair Trade Stirling.
READ MORE
Full cast announced for Macrobert panto
Macrobert Arts Centre has announced the full cast for this year’s Christmas pantomime production, Snow White.
READ MORE
Go Forth Stirling Launch 2025 Business Awards
Organisers Go Forth Stirling have announced the popular honours will return for a third year with the awards ceremony taking place on Thursday February 27, 2025 at the Albert Halls.
READ MORE
Scottish comedy sensation Christopher Macarthur Boyd takes his hit show Scary Times on tour
After a total sell-out run at the Edinburgh Fringe in 2023 and 2024, Christopher Macarthur-Boyd takes his smash hit show Scary Times out on tour...Scary Times indeed!
READ MORE
Prepare your garden for spring with Dobbies
As the cooler days of Autumn approach, Dobbies Garden Centres is inviting families and gardening enthusiasts to gear up for a colourful spring with its free monthly Grow How sessions this September.
READ MORE
A Successful Summer at Thistles Stirling
Key summer events at Thistles Stirling led to 1.2% increase in footfall and thousands of pounds raised for Strathcarron Hospice.
READ MORE
Stirling Jewellery Firm Shortlisted for Top Award
The team at Stirling-based jewellery specialists Lily Blanche are celebrating after being shortlisted in the Women’s Enterprise Scotland Awards 2024.
READ MORE
Glasgow kickstarts countdown to biggest AJ Bell Great Scottish Run yet
There's just over 6 weeks to go until this year's AJ Bell Great Scottish Run and it's expected to be a sell out!
READ MORE
Vue venues in Scotland celebrate 85 years of Batman with the return of eight classic films
The Caped Crusader turned 85 this year and to celebrate Vue venues across Scotland are showcasing some of the comic book hero’s most loved films.
READ MORESponsored Links
Sponsored Links