Tales from the Arcade exhibition: Herne Bay

This exhibition presented 'Arcade Britannia', a digital reconstruction of two 1980s arcades by Prof Alan Meades, alongside the documentary photography of George Wilson, whose images of Herne Bay arcades were used to make the digital experience. Wilson's photographs are the only known body of work documenting British seaside arcades from that period, and this was the first time a major presentation of the photos were shown back in Herne Bay.

The project was located across two sites; Wilson's photographs were shown in the gallery spaces of Beach Creative with 'Arcade Britannia' showcased on a vintage arcade cabinet, and accompanied by Meades's comic. The 360 video version of 'Arcade Britannia' was installed at Cain's Amusements, the arcade now on the site on the two establishments featured in the digital reconstruction.

Dr Katie McGown curated the exhibition in collaboration with Prof Alan Meades, and Gillian and George Wilson. Beach Creative received funding from Canterbury City Council to facilitate the exhibitions.