- Update notes for V6.1.0 - 29 August 2026
This update adds 3D models of decorated ceilings , sculptures, taxidermy displays, an altar screen, plus Gobelins tapestries and Indian carpets.CorrectionsPosition of:(Guide: Fine Arts > Sculpture > Cordier, Charles > Vénus Africaine)ImprovementsThe following items are now 3D models:(Guide: Manufactures > Taxidermy > John Hancock > The Dead Gull)(Guide: Fine Arts > Sculpture > Behnes, William > Lady Godiva)(Guide: Fine Arts > Sculpture > Manning, Samuel (II)> Prometheus Chained)The following 3D model sculptor identified and model improved to match extant piece:(Guide: Fine Arts > Sculpture > Lawlor, John > Solitude)AdditionsNew 3D models:(Guide: Fine Arts > Sculpture > Kesseler, Carl > Polyhymnia)(Guide: Fine Arts > Sculpture > Fernkorn, Anton Dominik > Heroes of Nibelangen Lied)(Guide: Fine Arts > Sculpture > Friebel, Louis > Newfoundland dog)(Guide: Fine Arts > Sculpture > Francis, Jo…
- Update notes for V6.0.0 - 1 August 2026
This update adds 16 3D models of sculptures in the British Sculpture Court. Plus several minor corrections.Bug FixesSome colliders were missing from the main refreshment court.CorrectionsThe positions of the British stained glass in the North-East gallery have been moved to the correct position (216 foot to the West).The manufacturer of the ‘Whitechapel Obelisk’ is now correctly identified (Guide: Manufactures > Building architecture & fittings > Richard Hosken > Granite Obelisk)The spelling of ‘Thornycroft’ has been corrected on all labels and subtitles.The layout of the East & West refreshment courts now more closely matches the various plans and illustrations.Catalogue reference no {TUSCANY/108} (was incorrectly 115) (Guide: Fine Arts > Sculpture > Nencini, Lorenzo > Bacchus). ImprovementsNow uses Unity 3D engine version 6000.3.18f1.The following sculptures are now 3D models:(Guide:…
- Update notes for V5.7.0 - 4 July 2026
This update adds Prince Albert’s Model House to the South of the Crystal Palace; plus Schweppes bottles in refreshment courts; 4 sculptures in the British Sculpture Court.Bug FixesOcclusion culling restored to non-VR version.CorrectionsUSA flag (31) stars now arranged in circles rather than lines (to match watercolours).In Polish VR version the hints on the hand controller are now in Polish (not English).ImprovementsNon-VR version no longer requires the holding down of the right mouse button to move the camera (except when accessing the Guide).3D models of sculpture in British Sculpture Court:(Guide: Fine Arts > Sculpture > Bell, John > Dorothea)(Guide: Fine Arts > Sculpture > Lawlor, John > The Bather)(Guide: Fine Arts > Sculpture > Foley, John H > The Wanderer)(Guide: Fine Arts > Sculpture > Carew, John E > Whittington)Additions(Guide: Manufactures > Building architecture & fittings >…
- Update notes for V5.6.0 - 30 May 2026
This update adds 3D models of 4 sculptures; plus: American Indian clothing; Russian candelabra; Austrian armchairs; Firmin & Sons button sampler.Corrections3D models of actual sculptures replace substitute works (Guide: Fine Arts > Sculpture > Von Hofer, Ludwig > Horse Tamers (x2))Improvements3D models of sculpture in transept & nave:(Guide: Fine Arts > Sculpture > MacDowell, Patrick > Eve)(Guide: Fine Arts > Sculpture > Lough, John G > Satan Descended)AdditionsNew 3D models:(Guide: Manufactures > Military > Firmin & Sons > Buttons)(Guide: Manufactures > Clothing > George Catlin > American Indian Dress)(Guide: Manufactures > Building architecture & fittings > Krumbigel > Candelabra)(Guide: Manufactures > Furniture > Carl Leistler & Son > Armchairs)Follow our Facebook Group to keep apprised of developments: https://www.facebook.com/groups/481745944735839Our latest YouTube video looks at…
- Update notes for V5.5.0 - 9 May 2026
This update adds 3D models of 6 sculptures; tiles by Valls; lectern by Jackson.Bug FixesBarrier which restricts movement around boiler house was wrong shape. It was visible in non-VR mode. There was a teleport target in the restricted area in VR mode. (Guide: Services > Miscellaneous > Fox, Henderson & Co > Boiler House)CorrectionsText on label corrected (Guide: Fine Arts > Sculpture > Foley, John H > Youth at a Stream (West))Improvements3D models of sculpture in transept & nave (supported by the Royal Commission for the Exhibition of 1851; https://royalcommission1851.org/):(Guide: Fine Arts > Sculpture > Fraikin, Charles A > Psyche calling on love for help)(Guide: Fine Arts > Sculpture > Fraikin, Charles A > Cupid in the Cradle)(Guide: Fine Arts > Sculpture > Fraikin, Charles A > Prayer)(Guide: Fine Arts > Sculpture > Simonis, Eugène > Happy Child)(Guide: Fine Arts > Sculpture > Simoni…
- Update notes for V5.4.0 - 18 April 2026
This update adds 3D models of 11 sculptures and images of 5 sculptures.Bug FixesTarget destination/direction was incorrect when jumping to these items from the Guide, they have now been corrected:(Guide: Fine Arts > Sculpture > Weekes, Henry > Sleeping child with dog)(Guide: Fine Arts > Sculpture > Powers, Hiram > Fisher Boy)CorrectionsMoved to correct position: (Guide: Fine Arts > Sculpture > Van Linden, Pierre > Madonna)Improvements3D models of sculpture in transept & nave (supported by the Royal Commission for the Exhibition of 1851; https://royalcommission1851.org/):(Guide: Fine Arts > Sculpture > Sibson, Henry > Shipwrecked Sailor-boy)(Guide: Fine Arts > Sculpture > Theed, William > Prometheus Chained)(Guide: Fine Arts > Sculpture > Weekes, Henry > Sleeping child with dog)(Guide: Fine Arts > Sculpture > Thomas, John > Rosamunda)(Guide: Fine Arts > Sculpture > De Cuyper, Leonard > T…
- Update notes for V5.3.0 - 28 March 2026
This update adds 3D models of 11 sculptures plus enamelled slate bath.Improvements3D models of sculpture in transept & nave (supported by the Royal Commission for the Exhibition of 1851; https://royalcommission1851.org/):Jealousy of Oberon (Guide: Fine Arts > Sculpture > Lough, John G > Jealousy of Oberon)Cupid (Guide: Fine Arts > Sculpture > MacDowell, Patrick > Cupid)Child at prayer (Guide: Fine Arts > Sculpture > MacDowell, Patrick > Child at prayer)Young Girl at Spring (Guide: Fine Arts > Sculpture > Woodington, William F > Young Girl at Spring)Sin Triumphant (Guide: Fine Arts > Sculpture > Earle, Thomas > Sin Triumphant)L’Attaque (Guide: Fine Arts > Sculpture > Lechesne, Auguste > L’Attaque)Deliverer (Guide: Fine Arts > Sculpture > Lechesne, Auguste > Deliverer)Mother child & eagle (Guide: Fine Arts > Sculpture > Lechesne, Auguste > Mother, Child & Eagle)Abel and Thirza (Guide: Fin…
- Update notes for V5.2.0 - 7 March 2026
This update adds 3D models of 10 sculptures plus Schulze organ. Improved model of Crystal fountain.CorrectionsSeveral corrections to typographical errors in subtitles.Improvements3D models of sculpture in transept & nave (supported by the Royal Commission for the Exhibition of 1851; https://royalcommission1851.org/):The Suppliant (Guide: Fine Arts > Sculpture > Weekes, Henry > The Suppliant).Creation of Adam (Guide: Fine Arts > Sculpture > Physick, Edward J > Creation of Adam).Murder of the Innocents (Guide: Fine Arts > Sculpture > Hollins, Peter > Murder of the Innocents).Samson bursting his bonds (Guide: Fine Arts > Sculpture > Legrew, James > Samson bursting his bonds).Youthful Athlete (Guide: Fine Arts > Sculpture > Richardson, Edward > Youthful Athlete).Canadian woman lamenting her child (Guide: Fine Arts > Sculpture > De Cuyper, Leonard > Canadian woman lamenting her child).Bindin…
- Update notes for V5.1.0 - 14 February 2026
This update adds 3D models of 10 sculptures & side table to Bermuda section.Bug FixesClosed office doors at East and West entrances not always properly displayed (occlusion bug).CorrectionsDoorway added between Australia / West Indies / Bermuda section & British Sculpture Court (some sculptures moved slightly to account for new doorway).Improvements3D models of sculpture in transept & nave (supported by the Royal Commission for the Exhibition of 1851; https://royalcommission1851.org/):Adam and Eve after the fall (Guide: Fine Arts > Sculpture > Jerichau, Jens A > Adam and Eve after the fall).The Lion in Love (Guide: Fine Arts > Sculpture > Geefs, Guillaume > Lion in Love).Micheal conqueror of Satan (Guide: Fine Arts > Sculpture > Duseigneur, Jean B > Michael defeat Satan).Rinaldo and Armida (Guide: Fine Arts > Sculpture > Rinaldi, Rinaldo > Rinaldo and Armida).The Orphans (Guide: Fine Ar…
- Update notes for V5.0.0 - 17 January 2026
This update adds 3D models of 10 sculptures & 3 new models in the Medieval Court. Plus image of exhibition scissors. Also added optional subtitles to narration.Bug FixesConfig changes were only saved to disk if volume settings were changed (if only illustrations or teleport settings were changed, a disk save did not occur).CorrectionsModel of curtains backing sculptures in transept & nave now better matches illustrations.ImprovementsNow uses Unity 3D engine version 6000.0.64f1Model for partitions simplified (reduces memory & processor load for CPU & GPU).3D models of sculpture in transept & nave (supported by the Royal Commission for the Exhibition of 1851; https://royalcommission1851.org/):Ariel (Guide: Fine Arts > Sculpture > Lough, John G > Ariel).Titania (Guide: Fine Arts > Sculpture > Lough, John G > Titania).A nymph preparing for the bath (Guide: Fine Arts > Sculpture > Baily, Edw…
- Update notes for V4.5.1 - 13 December 2025
This update adds 3D models of font by Peyman; dodo by Bartlett, adding machine by Schilt, Dying Gladiator by Costoli. Images of Ploucquet's Reynard the Fox and Kilburn's Jenny Lind. Plus cabinet by Mechi, drapes in Switzerland section, partitions in Rome section.CorrectionsDrapes fronting nave (Switzerland) now better match watercolour.ImprovementsReynard the Fox, illustrations replaced with photographs and narration improved (Guide: Manufactures > Taxidermy > Herrmann Ploucquet > The Comical Creatures of Wurtemberg).AdditionsFont (Guide: Manufactures > Church architecture & fittings > Peyman, Henry > Font).Dying Gladiator by Costoli (Guide: Fine Arts > Sculpture > Costoli, Aristodemo > Dying Gladiator).Photograph of Jenny Lind (Guide: Manufactures > Photos > Kilburn, William > Daguerreotype).Adding Machine by Schilt (Guide: Manufactures > Machines (static) > Schilt, Victor > Adding Mac…
- Update notes for V4.4.0 - 29 November 2025
This update adds 3D models of Zinc Victoria and Duke of Wellington; parautoptic lock; Handyside vase; boots & shoes by Hoby & Walker; Typograph by HughesCorrectionsSide panel of Hefford stand (Guide: Manufactures > Boots & shoes > Hefford, John > Wellington boots).Add stairs to side of lighthouse lens stand (Guide: Manufactures > Lighthouses > Chance Brothers > Lens assembly).Size of American bridge now matches detailed floor plan (Guide: Manufactures > Bridges > New York Iron Bridge Co > Rider’s truss bridge).ImprovementsColossal zinc statue of Queen Victoria is now a 3D model (sponsored by VM Building Solutions https://www.vmzinc.com) (Guide: Fine Arts > Sculpture > Vieille-Montagne Zinc Co > Queen Victoria).3D model of statue of Duke of Wellington by Thomas Milnes replaces the incorrect/substitute model by John E Thomas (Guide: Fine Arts > Sculpture > Milnes, Thomas > Duke of Welling…
- Update notes for V4.3.0 - 1 November 2025
This update adds 3D models of 3 statuesand a globe, a picture of Chepstow Castle, Greek text. Catalogue references have been added to labels.Bug FixesAdd missing colliders on De La Rue stand and short pillars on staircases.Corrections Image of painting Holy Family in Fine Art Court (Guide: Fine Arts > Painting > Murillo, Bartolomé E > The Holy Family).ImprovementsThe reference from the original Great Exhibition catalogue (where known) has been added to the bottom left of exhibit labels.AdditionsGreek text has been added above the entrance to the Ottoman tent from the Greece section.Tissue paper image of Chepstow Castle in Moonlight (Guide: Fine Arts > Papyrography > Herbert, S > Chepstow Castle).Relief globe for the blind (Guide: Manufactures > Miscellaneous > Kummer, K W > Relief Globe).Copy of Venus by Thorvaldsen (Guide: Fine Arts > Sculpture > Bianconi, F > Venus).Copy of Shepherd B…
- Update notes for V4.2.0 - 4 October 2025
This update adds 3D models of 3 statues, 3 Indian model boats, the Judkins sewing machine & the Pontifex & Wood sugar apparatus. In non-VR mode the user movement is much improved.Bug FixesAdd missing floor collider on Garrett stand.CorrectionsEarly Sorrow now attributed to Terence (not James) Farrell (Guide: Fine Arts > Sculpture > Farrell, Terence > Early Sorrow).Narration for painting of John Milton age 20 (Guide: Fine Arts > Painting > Unknown artist > John Milton).Narration for main entrance paving slabsImprovementsNon-VR user movement is now much improved. Now has ‘Doom style’ movement. If the user collides with an object at an angle, the user ‘slides’ along the wall (rather than bouncing back & freezing).Satan tempting Eve by Edward Bowring Stephens is now a 3D model (Guide: Fine Arts > Sculpture > Stephens, Edward B > Satan tempting Eve).Satan Vanquished by Edward Bowring Stephen…
- Update notes for V4.1.0 - 23 August 2025
This update adds statues of Mercury & Michelangelo; window & candlestick from St Augustine's Ramsgate; mosaic by Moglia; liquid measures & kilogramme weight.Bug FixesRe-instate box to Comic Electric Telegraph (bug introduced at V4.0.0) (Guide: Manufactures > Electric > Smith, George > Comic Electric Telegraph).CorrectionsPosition of micromosaics by Domenico Moglia: the Colosseum and the Forum (Guide: Fine Arts > Mosaics > Moglia, Domenico > Colosseum & Forum).AdditionsArtificial stone copy of Giovanni da Bologna’s Mercury (Guide: Fine Arts > Sculpture > Seeley, John > Mercury).Michelangelo by Charles Raymond Smith (Guide: Fine Arts > Sculpture > Smith, Charles R > Michelangelo).Stained glass from East wall of the Lady Chapel of St Augustine’s in Ramsgate (Guide: Manufactures > Stained or Painted Glass > Pugin, Augustus > Blessed Virgin, St Augustine’s Ramsgate).Iron Candlestick by John…
- Update notes for V4.0.0 - 2 August 2025
This major update adds configuration options for volume of sound and enable/disable of features (configuration is accessed via the guide). Plus: three new 3D models of sculptures; images of woven silk pictures; various bug fixes & enhancements.Bug FixesNarration was missing from Tann Safe (Guide: Manufactures > Safes > Tann & Sons > Fire-proof safe).Narration was missing from the arms of Mecklenburg-StrelitzRemove erroneous narration from plantersCorrectionsThe narration for Baily’s Eve at the Fountain no longer erroneously reports the piece as lost. (Guide: Fine Arts > Sculpture > Baily, Edward H > Eve at the Fountain).Corrections to the narration for the flags of Rome, Sardinia and TuscanyImprovementsNarration improved for cast iron version of Eagle Slayer (Guide: Fine Arts > Sculpture > Bell, John > Eagle Slayer: cast iron).Statue of Dr Goodall is now a 3D model & narration improved…
- Update notes for V3.4.1 - 5 July 2025
Bug FixesBashaw dog – fix LOD (Guide: Fine Arts > Sculpture > Wyatt, Mathew Cotes > Bashaw dog).CorrectionsSize, position & narration of Giuseppe Bertini's painted window (Guide: Manufactures > Stained or Painted Glass > Bertini, Giuseppe > Dante and some of his ideas).Position of Panther Hunter (Guide: Fine Arts > Sculpture > Jerichau, Jens Adolf > The Panther Hunter).Position of Nasmyth’s moon paintings (Guide: Fine Arts > Painting > Nasmyth, James H > The Moon).Position of John Flaxman (Guide: Fine Arts > Sculpture > Watson, Musgrave Lewthwaite > Flaxman).Narration for Friedrich Krupp’s cannon (Guide: Manufactures > Guns and Cannons > Friedrich Krupp > 6lb steel gun).American truss bridge increased from 16 to 18 sections & narration enhanced (Guide: Manufactures > Bridges > New York Iron Bridge Company > Rider’s truss bridge).ImprovementsNarration for sperm whale jaw (Guide: Raw Mate…
- Update notes for V3.3.2 - 14 June 2025
Additions:‘Spring’ by Thomas Wilkinson Wallis (Guide: Fine Arts > Sculpture > Wallis, Thomas Wilkinson > Spring).Stained Glass by Stephan Kellner (Guide: Manufactures > Stained or Painted Glass > Kellner, Stephan > St Lorenz, Nuremberg).Stained Glass by Isaac Alexander Gibbs (Guide: Manufactures > Stained or Painted Glass > Gibbs, Isaac A > Norman: St Peter).Stove by John Hardman & Co (Guide: Manufactures > Stoves & fireplaces > Hardman, John > Stove).Reference to sponsorship / donation webpage added to video console in main entrance lobby (https://www.hookedwit.uk/sponsor.html).Follow our Facebook Group to keep apprised of developments: https://www.facebook.com/groups/481745944735839Our project is 2 years old. Our latest YouTube video gives a tour of the full simulation, including these latest additions:
- Update notes for V3.2.1 - 24 May 2025
Corrections: Medieval Court (form of doorways, colour & form of wall panels, stands). Watercolour of Medieval Court moved to just outside doorway. Improvements: Extended narration for Boy & Swan fountain (Guide: Manufactures > Fountains > Bell, John > Boy and Swan fountain). Improved model of anchor (Guide: Manufactures > Boats & Marine Fittings > Brown Lenox & Co. > Anchors & chains). Some text in Guide abbreviated (long text strings were displaying too small). Additions: Mosaics by Domenico Moglia (Guide: Fine Arts > Mosaics > Moglia, Domenico > Colosseum & Forum). Jardinière by Augustus Pugin (Guide: Manufactures > Building architecture & fittings > Pugin, Augustus > Jardinière). Minton plate & bowl designed by Augustus Pugin (Guide: Manufactures > Porcelain > H Minton & Co. > Plate & Bowl by Pugin). Lithograph of a painting of a native village or pa in New Zealand by John Alexander…
- Update notes for V3.1.1 - 10 May 2025
Corrections: Minor fixes to rear side model of locomotive ‘Liverpool’. Some of the external wall panels of the exhibition building changed to match engineering drawings and other illustrations. Improvements: Eve at the Fountain by Edward Hodges Baily is now a 3D model (Guide: Fine Arts > Sculpture > Baily, Edward Hodges > Eve at the Fountain). Steps added to entrances and exits of the exhibition building to match engineering drawings and other illustrations. Chimney stacks added to lodge buildings at Prince of Wales Gate to match contemporary illustrations and 20th century photographs. Additions: 3D model of George Richard Smith’s Comic Electric Telegraph (Guide: Manufactures > Electric > Smith, George > Comic Electric Telegraph). 3D model of Memorial to Bishop Walsh by Augustus Pugin (Guide: Manufactures > Church architecture & fittings > Pugin, Augustus > Memorial to Bishop Walsh). 3D…
