Digitally Crafting the Brockley Axe

Challenge

Rathlin Island possesses historically and culturally significant unique artefacts. However, challenges relating to ownership and preservation can limit public access. This project investigates the potential of digital twins to enhance the accessibility of these precious artefacts for educational purposes.

Approach

This project developed an authentic virtual experience of crafting and manipulating the Brockley Axe within it’s hypothesised historical context, collaborating with the Green family who own this artefact. The methodology integrated historical documentation on porcellanite axe production, VR, and digital twins to facilitate an immersive and authentic educational experience.

Outcomes

The project delivered an immersive VR experience instructing users on the creation of a porcellanite Neolithic axe. Centred on a digital twin of the Brockley Axe, the experience is available in two formats: one using hand tracking for natural interaction, the other using VR controllers to provide haptic feedback. An accurate 3D printed replica was produced with weighted infills (Length 310mm: Weight 2.962kg).

Learnings

This research facilitated essential learning regarding diverse creative pipelines and the significance of integrating authentically produced digital twins. Furthermore, it involved obtaining user experience feedback from stakeholders, including Rathlin Island residents, academics, and museum representatives, alongside the development of relationships with prospective museum and island stakeholders.

Impact

This project culminated in an immersive experience recreating a Neolithic axe, offering a model for designing educational engagements with rare artefacts. It demonstrates how virtual production can solve preservation challenges and support the integration of historically significant objects into museum, community, and educational settings through accessible, interactive digital experiences.