The story of one of the North-east’s most popular and oldest magicians has been brought to life in Aberdeen’s city centre through an innovative project by business organisation Aberdeen Inspired.
John Henry Anderson, more commonly known as the Wizard of the North, was a 19th century magician and is widely regarded as one of the forefathers of the art. Born in The Mearns, Anderson was a regular performer throughout the country, amazing theatregoers with a range of tricks including his famous bullet catch.
And now, thanks to unique augmented reality technology, visitors to the recently enhanced roof garden adjacent to the St Nicholas Graveyard, will be able to learn more about his life and his close ties with the Granite City.
Using the official Aberdeen Inspired app, visitors to the greenspace will find five trigger signs located throughout the area and, through use of the app’s QR code scanner, will be presented with five videos that will present a range of interesting facts on the Wizard of the North for all ages.
The Wizard of the North himself is performed by local actor Christopher Begg, with each individual video incorporating a range of Victorian special effects to present a realistic insight into the magician’s life.
With plans to roll out more characters through the app in the coming months, the project, which is being spearheaded by Aberdeen Inspired in partnership with Creative Core, is set to play an important role in encouraging visitors and children to engage with the city’s history.
The project is the latest addition to the enhanced roof garden space near the St Nicholas Graveyard – the burial site of the Wizard of the North – after it saw over £200,000 of improvements made last year in a bid to make it more welcoming to visitors.
Gary Craig, chief executive of Aberdeen Inspired, said: “This is the first permanent story-telling project in Aberdeen’s city centre that uses this sort of augmented reality technology and we’re delighted to be at its forefront.
“The Wizard of the North’s story is full of intrigue and interest but it still remains one that is not commonly known in the north-east. We want to change that and by using this innovative technology, we think we manage to shine a spotlight on his story and his close connections with the city of Aberdeen.
“The project itself is part of our wider roof garden project which has seen over £200,000 worth of improvements already made. We want to encourage more visitors and school children down to what is often described as an under-used part of the city centre and we think projects like these will play a big part in allowing us to meet this goal.
“With plans to roll out further characters through the app in the coming months, we look forward to bringing stories for people of all ages to the area soon.”
Ian Wood at Creative Core said: “It’s so easy and fun to use, just type in ‘Aberdeen Inspired’ on Google Play or the App store on your phone or tablet and download the app. Once downloaded, point and hold the smart device at the five trigger signs, then simply watch the magic happen.
“Creative Core had a ball developing this App with the team at Aberdeen Inspired, everything just clicked from concept to completion. The end result is an exciting new way to have fun, learn and engage.”
The Aberdeen Inspired app is available through the Google Play store and the App store for Apple devices.
Aberdeen Inspired is the banner under which the Aberdeen BID (Business Improvement District) operates. It is a business-led initiative within the city centre in which levy payers within the BID zone contribute.
A renewal ballot opened on February 4 and will run until March 17, with levy payers invited to vote on whether the organisation returns for a second five-year term.
Proceeds are used to fund projects designed to improve the business district. Further information on the work of Aberdeen Inspired is available at www.aberdeeninspired.com