Scarborough Histories & Mysteries - St Mary's Church

By Animated Objects

Triptych presents three unique projections designed for St. Mary’s Church. Each animation explores a theme connected to Scarborough and the church: the town’s story from prehistory, the beauty of its stained-glass windows, and a contemporary retelling of the nativity. Combining drawing, photography, and digital technology, the cinematic projections celebrate both Scarborough’s heritage and the architecture of this much-loved landmark.

The Sky was Under Everything by Photo Scarborough

Scarborough was Britain’s first seaside resort, and photography has always been part of its story. The town’s first camera obscura appeared on the beach in 1823, followed by its first photographic studio in 1842. This installation revisits that legacy through images created with portable camera obscuras and pinhole cameras built from recycled materials, developed using sustainable methods.

The work explores Scarborough’s changing ecology through the blend of historic techniques and modern perspectives. It has been created by Photo Scarborough, the collaboration of Martha Cattell and Jonathan Wallis. Their research into Scarborough’s photographic history is supported by workshops, exhibitions, and gatherings, all designed to share skills and build an inclusive photographic community.

Tales of the Sea by Dromer

Tales of the Sea offers a miniature seascape telling the story of a sailor’s encounter with a mysterious sea creature. Presented inside an ornate Raree-style cabinet, recalling Victorian peep shows, it combines sound, light, and theatrical illusion to create a playful, slightly gothic storytelling experience inspired by coastal folklore.

This imaginative piece is created by Steve Wintercroft and Amy Carpenter of Dromer Creative Studio, bringing audiences of all ages a family-friendly glimpse into Scarborough’s seafaring myths.