Eastbourne College’s poignant reference to the fallen in 3D video mapping spectacular
09 Nov 2018
On Friday 2 and Saturday 3 November 2018, Eastbourne College, in collaboration with LM Productions, showcased a sensational world-first video mapping projection show, the pinnacle event in a year’s worth of 150th anniversary celebrations.
More than a year in the making, the College’s iconic Memorial Building was transformed into a touching digital artwork.
Residents of Eastbourne were treated to an awe-inspiring display of moving images, light and sound that depicted with great clarity the College’s original mission, to ‘provide an emerging energetic seaside town with a centre of learning that would come to rival the best in the land.’
Built in 1930, the Memorial Building was commissioned to remember the many Eastbourne College pupils who fought and died in the Great War. In an ode to those who had fallen, archive images of the boys who had perished, captured in the cold splendour of their laden battle dress, adorned the façade to the melody of Sting’s Fields of Gold, as poppies and the Union Jack descended solemnly; it was an emotive reminder of how lucky we are.
Three minutes into the show, a message of optimism then reverberated across College Field as the low hum of approaching WW2 aircraft, Spitfire and Hurricanes, winged their way towards the spectators. An 18-metre high victorious Churchill appeared as the narrative changed to one of hope; that future generations would embody wisdom, enlightenment and work towards a more tolerant society. That future generations would pursue excellence and question the accepted world view, looking to find answers to ‘what if?’ Gentle reminders of the College’s contribution to politics, science, humanitarian efforts, music, performing arts and sport were weaved into the display as notable celebrities added candid and, at times, humorous sound bites.
Culminating in a simple message and to rapturous applause from an estimated 2000 spectators, the 3D show was a resounding success; the only downside being, as one spectator put it, ‘that we only got to see it twice.’
Head of Eastbourne College Tom Lawson (who cameoed in the show, alongside his faithful dog Roy), was over the moon, ‘we could not have done this without the help and generosity of LM Productions, and the creative input of our dedicated teachers and support staff. We shall never forget how lucky we are as we look towards the next 150 years.’
Please follow this link to the ‘latest news’ page on the College website for full details: https://www.eastbourne-