Historic court convictions explored in exhibition

When scanned with using a mobile app, the drawings become animated, and tell the story of the people brought through the court

A new augmented reality (AR) exhibition is exploring the real life stories of people who were tried in a former courthouse.

Voices From The Courts, on display at the Old Magistrates' Court, on Bridewell Street, Bristol, examines what happened to suffragettes and children, among others, who found themselves on trial in the Victorian era.

Youth charity Creative Youth Network worked with young people in Bristol, and the dBs Pro studio in the city to create the exhibition.

It is a permanent addition to the building, which is open to the public between 09:00 and 21:00 on weekdays.

Theresa Garnett (left) was a suffragette who confronted Winston Churchill, while Edmund Harris, right, was charged with "wandering the streets"

Visitors scan the photos with a mobile app, which then uses AR to guide users through their stories.

One of those charged was Theresa Garnett, a suffragette who attacked future prime minister Winston Churchill with a dog whip in 1909, shouting "Take that, take that from the women of England".

"This was premeditated, she wanted to get arrested and to use the courts as a platform to bring awareness to the suffragette movement," said Jay Auborn, head of creative at dBs Pro.

Ms Garnett was 21 years old when she was tried, and was jailed in Horfield.

Another drawing explores 10-year-old Edmund Harris, who was charged with "wandering the streets" in 1890.

In his case, the law was used to protect him as, during his trial, he was examined and found to be covered in bruises from his abusive father.

The court sent him to school in Portishead and he later emigrated to New Orleans.

'Foolish freak'

The exhibition also looks at the story of Henry Burchell, an artilleryman who was charged with being drunk and disorderly in 1890.

Mr Burchell was arrested wearing women's clothing, and was only discovered to be male at the police prison cells.

He was labelled a "foolish freak" by the local press at his trial.

"They made an example of this, because the police didn't realise he was a man and it embarrassed them."

Rosie Fenlon, head of fundraising and communications at Creative Youth Network, said it had been an "amazing" project to work on.

"Young people have been an active voice in this project from the beginning.

"Working with people like dBs Pro, it brings people who wouldn't get experience in the creative industries, and helps them succeed," she said.