Over 350 people from as far afield as Australia visited the Great Union Camera Obscura over the Easter weekend.
With eleven lenses and mirrors, visitors enter the darkness of the building and see panoramic views from all around Douglas bay. Watching real-time images of seagulls flying across the viewing boards and cars, boats and people going about their daily business is part of the fascination which has entertained visitors for more than 100 years.
Run by the Department of Tourism & Leisure and manned voluntarily by the Isle of Man Victorian Society, the Camera will be open for the Summer Season from 2nd May 2009 every weekend from 1.00pm to 4.00pm on Saturdays and 11.00am to 4.00pm on Sundays and Bank Holidays. If the flag is flying the Camera is open.
Hon Martyn Quayle, Minister for Tourism and Leisure, said:
‘It is pleasing to know that so many people took the time to visit the Camera Obscura during Easter. I hope that visitors and residents will support it this season and come and see all it has to offer. The Camera also provides a weekend attraction with a difference for visitors with a unique view of Douglas Bay.’
One of the few original Camera Obscuras to have survived the test of time, this wonderful example of Victorian ingenuity is undergoing a facelift at the moment and is being repainted.
