University of Brighton researchers are paving the way for sculptures and other works of art to be recorded in a 3D form so real that people will be able to see them from every possible angle on their computers.

Viewings would be more comprehensive and detailed than if people were within arm's reach of the real thing because the technology would enable them to turn objects in every direction.

Professor David Arnold, leading the project, said no longer would missing an exhibition mean the chance of a lifetime was lost, and there would be obvious benefits for those unable to travel to cultural centres.

They would have a world of art and culture, including thousands of artefacts in storage because of lack of display space, to enjoy at the click of a mouse.

But he stressed: "The work is still in its infancy."

The project involves a collaboration of researchers including experts from computer science, the arts and business, drawn from across the university, and 18 other partners. It is funded by the European Community's Seventh Framework Programme.

The aim is to develop effective methods for 3D documentation and to create a European virtual centre of competence in 3D digitisation.

Petworth House, which has ancient and neo-classical sculptures, fine furniture and carvings by Grinling Gibbons, is involved in early trials, as is the Victoria and Albert Museum in London.

The experiments are being conducted on sculptures and other similar works of art, not paintings. Their images are being digitally captured and processed into a 3D record.

Over the next three years other sculptures, monuments and artefacts will be recorded using a mixture of tools including digital photogrammetry (remote sensing technology) and laser-scanning tools.

Another method used to capture smaller artefacts involves a portable dome in which the items are placed and photographed under controlled lighting. Professor Arnold stressed the day when people could switch on PCs and expect to find the world's treasures in 3D is still a long way off.

"We really are right at the beginning of this and when you look at how many visitor centres there are around the world, you realise how much work there is involved. The number of cultural venues is huge."

But the benefits would be profound, he said: "Everything a museum holds could be available and accessible at almost any time."


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