3D model offers chance to come face to face with Mary Queen of Scots

To mark the anniversary of Mary Queen of Scots’ death, Historic Environment Scotland (HES) has released a digital 3D model of her death mask.

Article Source: Historic Environment Scotland (HES)
Last Updated: 8 February 2024 11:54

Today marks 437 years since Mary Queen of Scots was executed yet she remains a prominent figure in history. Yueqian Wang, Digital Innovation trainee, has created the digital model of the death mask as part of her training at HES, offering the public a new way to view and interact with their collection.

The digital model of the mask was created through a process called photogrammetry, where hundreds of overlapping high-resolution photographs are taken around the object and then analysed by software to work out their relative position. These aligned photographs are then used to create an accurate photorealistic 3D model of the object with detailed editing work needed to ensure colours are true to the object, remove the noise on the mesh model, and apply an accurate texture to the digital rendering.

The Digital Documentation and Innovation team at HES works to digitally document in 3D the properties and objects in its collection and uses new technologies to widen access and help increase our understanding of the past. The digital documentation of historic sites and objects gives new opportunities for those in the sector, as well as the public, to access detailed models, even if they are physically far away, and is fundamentally changing the way we interact with history.

Yueqian Wang, Digital Innovation trainee, said, “Creating this model was hugely interesting but also challenging because I had to find ways to work round the metallic reflections and shadows captured in the photography, and make sure I was happy at each stage with what the software generated. I’ve always been interested in sharing stories from history with a wider audience as well as the practical side of heritage conservation. Digital Innovation is a perfect approach to work in both areas – I can share stories of the heritage object with more people by creating digital models, as well as supporting conservation experts by collecting detailed 3D data sets. The traineeship has given me the chance to work on fascinating projects, going on site visits across Scotland, seeing historic objects up close and learning how cutting-edge technology can be used in the heritage sector.”

Death masks are a mould taken of an individual’s face after death and have been made by different cultures across the world for thousands of years. Usually, masks would be created by taking a cast or impression of the deceased’s face which could then be used as a mould to create the final mask, often in wax or plaster. The mask of Mary Queen of Scots in the HES Collection is a plaster cast taken from her tomb effigy in Westminster Abbey.

The digital 3D model is available to view on Sketchfab and a video of Yueqian talking about the process to create the model and her wider role is on YouTube.

Image credit: CREDIT Historic Environment Scotland
Image: Digital Innovation trainee Yueqian Wang face to face with digital 3D model of Mary Queen of Scots' death mask

Sponsored Links

Latest Lanarkshire News

Edinburgh Butter Company announces search for the Best Croissant in Scotland

The Edinburgh Butter Company is excited to announce the launch of Scotland’s first-ever croissant competition, open to bakers across the country.

READ MORE

Get ready to be blown away... Twisters returns to 4DX at Cineworld

Hold onto your popcorn, because Cineworld is thrilled to announce the whirlwind return of the blockbuster hit Twisters to 4DX screens nationwide, due to an overwhelming tornado of popular demand!

READ MORE

The Force reawakens at Vue venues in Scotland this September as the Star Wars saga returns to the big screen

Film fans are invited to revisit a galaxy far, far away this September as every main Star Wars film brings some of cinema's most iconic heroes and villains back to the big screen.

READ MORE

Great Scottish Run: 4 weeks to go

Are you ready to take on Scotland's greatest running event at this year's AJ Bell Great Scottish Run in Glasgow on Sunday 6 October?

READ MORE

Unique venue offers the perfect stage

Festival-goers attending the fourth Music at the Multiverse festival at the weekend enjoyed fantastic live music, sunshine and showers in one of Scotland’s most spectacular outdoor venues.

READ MORE

Thousands from Northern Ireland set sail for Scottish universities

Students go FREE with Stena Line on Cairnryan and Liverpool routes.

READ MORE

The Beat the Street active travel game is returning to East Kilbride!

The popular interactive game that turns whole communities into a giant active travel competition is set to return to East Kilbride for six weeks from 18th September to 30th October!

READ MORE

Scottish Borders winter light trail, Monteviot Lights, returns for a second year

Prepare to be enchanted once again this winter as Monteviot Lights returns to Monteviot House & Gardens!

READ MORE

Step into the Autumn Equinox with a day of balance at the Alona Hotel

Leading wellbeing scientist and speaker, Dr David R Hamilton, is to headline a panel of lifestyle speakers at an Autumn Equinox retreat taking place at the Alona Hotel on September 22nd.

READ MORE

Social Bite encourages Scotland to hop, skip or jump to help end homelessness

Participants can choose any novel way of racking up 100 miles this September to help raise crucial funds for those who need it most in the UK.

READ MORE

Entertainers launch brand new Michael Jackson tribute show, Man in the Mirror

Today, on what would have been Michael Jackson's 66th Birthday, entertainers launch their brand-new show; Man in the Mirror – A Tribute to Michael Jackson.

READ MORE

Annual Salvesen Lecture at University of Edinburgh will address ADHD in Women and Girls

Distinguished Senior Consultant Physician and psychiatrist Lotta Borg Skoglund will present groundbreaking research which challenges outdated views on female ADHD.

READ MORE

Montpeliers founders among winners at the 2024 Scottish Bar and Pub awards!

The winners of the 2024 Scottish Bar and Pub Awards have been revealed!

READ MORE

Loch Lomond Food and Drink Festival is back this September

With Chef Demos, Cocktail & Mocktail Masterclasses and Wild Food Walks!

READ MORE

Celebrate National Cinema Day at Vue venues across Scotland

Film fans can get their big screen fix at Vue for just £4 this Saturday (31 August) as part of National Cinema Day!

READ MORE

Nominees announced for Scots Language Awards 2024

The nominees have been unveiled for the Scots Language Awards 2024, with 50 outstanding organisations and individuals in the running for 12 awards at the annual ceremony next month.

READ MORE

Dynamic double bill from Scottish Dance Theatre set to tour the UK this Autumn

Fresh from a hit run at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, where it earned critical and audience acclaim, Scottish Dance Theatre is taking its groundbreaking double-bill The Flock & Moving Cloud on tour.

READ MORE

Totally Taylor headlines tribute festival at M&Ds

The sensational Totally Taylor tribute singer will take centre stage at a unique festival day taking place at M&D's Scotland's Theme Park on Sunday 1st September!

READ MORE

Scottish comedy sensation Christopher Macarthur Boyd takes his hit show Scary Times on tour

After a total sell-out run at the Edinburgh Fringe in 2023 and 2024, Christopher Macarthur-Boyd takes his smash hit show Scary Times out on tour...Scary Times indeed!

READ MORE

Prepare your garden for spring with Dobbies

As the cooler days of Autumn approach, Dobbies Garden Centres is inviting families and gardening enthusiasts to gear up for a colourful spring with its free monthly Grow How sessions this September.

READ MORE

Glasgow Fort to welcome new adidas store

Glasgow Fort has today announced that adidas is set to open its doors at the shopping and leisure centre this Friday (23rd August).

READ MORE

Spooktacular Glasgow returns for a 4th year at Silverburn!

The kids are back in school and the dark nights are creeping in so it can only mean one thing... Hallowe'en is on the horizon and Spooktacular is back!

READ MORE

Glasgow kickstarts countdown to biggest AJ Bell Great Scottish Run yet

There's just over 6 weeks to go until this year's AJ Bell Great Scottish Run and it's expected to be a sell out!

READ MORE

Vue venues in Scotland celebrate 85 years of Batman with the return of eight classic films

The Caped Crusader turned 85 this year and to celebrate Vue venues across Scotland are showcasing some of the comic book hero’s most loved films.

READ MORE

Garden Centre unveils magical experiences for families across the UK

Dobbies Garden Centres is readying itself for Santa's arrival and counting down the days to spread festive joy this Christmas, as it unveils a magical array of fun, great value events!

READ MORE

Cultivate calmness with Little Seedlings Club at Dobbies

Dobbies is nurturing the next generation of gardeners with its free Little Seedlings Club workshop this September, inviting young gardeners to explore mindfulness in a fun and engaging way.

READ MORE

GlasGLOW is back and it is time to Trick or Treat!

GlasGLOW will return to the city's Botanic Gardens for its seventh year with a nail-biting new Halloween adventure entitled GlasGLOW: Trick or Treat!

READ MORE

Ho Ho Ho! Dobbies calls for Santas and elves

One of the biggest employers of Santas and elves announces its festive recruitment drive.

READ MORE

Stars align for Music at the Multiverse 2024

Summer Music Festival set to return to the South of Scotland with an exception line-up featuring The Hoosiers, Toploader, Tide Lines, Colonel Mustard and the Dijon 5 and more!

READ MORE

The countdown to the 2024 World Pipe Band Championships is on!

It's a week until Glasgow once again welcomes The World Pipe Band Championships, a spectacular highlight of Scotland's annual cultural calendar that's always highly anticipated and extremely popular.

READ MORE

Sponsored Links