Looking at art through a fresh lens

Client

Sainsbury Centre

Sector

Education, Arts and Culture

Tech

Augmented Reality (AR), Immersive Apps

Changing perspectives on art through digital innovation

The Sainsbury Centre – one of Britain’s leading university art galleries – partnered with us to create an AR app that reimagines how audiences engage with sculpture. Featuring works by Moore, Giacometti and Gormley, the app lets users place detailed 3D models in any environment. This unique approach highlights how context shapes interpretation, while keeping art accessible beyond the gallery’s walls.

The challenge

Since the 1970s, the Sainsbury Centre has exhibited some of the UK’s most significant works, including pieces by Henry Moore, Francis Bacon and Elisabeth Frink. When the gallery was forced to close during lockdown, the challenge was to continue its mission of teaching and inspiring appreciation of art. The team needed a solution that could replicate the impact of viewing sculptures in person, but also encourage users to reflect on how environment changes perception. The project called for a tool that was both accessible and educational – extending the reach of the collection virtually while remaining engaging and interactive.

The process

We selected six landmark sculptures by artists including Moore, Giacometti and Gormley. Using photogrammetry, we produced precise 3D digital models and built an app that allowed users to rotate, scale and position the artworks in any location. To encourage interaction and sharing, we added a feature enabling users to photograph sculptures in situ and post them online. The app also included panoramic videos and images showing the pieces in their original settings, prompting comparison between gallery and everyday contexts. Integrated into the Virtual Art and Environment Study Centre, the app became a central learning tool funded by the Esmée Fairbairn Foundation.

The outcome

The AR app gave the Sainsbury Centre a way to reach audiences during lockdown – and beyond. It enabled people to explore iconic sculptures in surprising contexts, from kitchens to busy streets, reinforcing the role of environment in shaping meaning. Designed as part of wider virtual study resources, the app continues to support remote learning and public engagement. By combining accessibility with interactive technology, the Sainsbury Centre not only sustained its mission through closure but also developed a lasting educational tool. It has expanded the reach of its collection and inspired fresh perspectives on how we view and understand art.