Foredown Tower, Water tower and camera obscura museum in Portslade, England.
Description
Foredown Tower is a water storage structure from the early 1900s with thick brick walls and a circular shape. Inside, a camera obscura device projects real-time views of the surrounding landscape onto a viewing dish.
History
The structure was built in 1909 to supply water to a nearby hospital. After the medical facility closed in the 1980s, volunteers took over its care and eventually opened it as a museum.
Culture
The tower hosts rotating exhibitions about local history and science that visitors can explore directly. These displays show how the area has developed and what scientific interests still draw people to visit.
Practical
Camera obscura demonstrations are offered only on certain days, so checking the schedule ahead is worthwhile. A small cafe on site serves drinks and light refreshments, which works well for a relaxed visit.
Did you know?
The tower houses one of only two working camera obscura devices in southeast England, projecting live images onto a viewing dish. This rare optical device operates on the same principles as artistic tools from the Renaissance.
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