Wonderland

In celebration of Alice in Wonderland’s 150 years - not so, so, so long ago -Wonderland has captured the imaginative prowess of the original text. It is an enchanting and maze-like journey down the infamous rabbit hole that has inspired many and charmed others for generations.

A mock Victorian study mimics Lewis Carroll’s world and his time at Trinity, Oxford where he penned Alice In Wonderland. The Lost Map of Wonderland (paper map) ushers you through the Hallway of Doors that will lead you into the Wonderland puzzle.

While cinema was born not so long after the book, the core of the exhibition chronicles the advancement of the moving image from the Magic Lantern to celluloid through to new digital technology. The curatorial team has eclectically come together from various artistic disciplines, ranging from theatre through to   graphic designers, to conceive an interpretive display to celebrate the magic.

The exhibition space is divided from a heart shape into segments attributed to our much-loved moments, from The Pool of Tears, Hallway of Doors, Advice from a Caterpillar and the list grows and grows. It is also heralds significant developments in the history of cinema from the Magic Lantern display including all the original Alice slides. The first silent era film Alice in Wonderland (1903), a nine minute celluloid antiquity by Cecil Hepworth; the first Alice talkie by Bud Pollard (1931); the Walt Disney Animation; Tim Burton’s directorial masterpiece and many other reputable artists who made beguiling Alice inspired films. Also included are displays of costumes, sets, puppets, posters and film stills from the many film productions.

The real show stopper of the exhibition is the state of the art installation of The Mad Hatter Party, staged in an enclosed room involving projection mapping and digital and sound design. It is a truly immersive experience that captures the elemental charm of the story.

Wonderlandis a beguiling encounter with a much-loved classic!

Flora Georgiou