The accessibility project of the Beckford Tower in Bath: A case study on tactile experiences for people with visual impairments

Abstract

Beckford’s Tower, a Grade I-listed building, and a landmark of UNESCO City of Bath’s historic heritage has stood for two centuries. Born in 1760, William Beckford was only ten years old when his father died. Consequently, he inherited an immense fortune from the sugar plantations they owned in Jamaica and from the exploitation of slaves. Following his return to Britain after a long exile, Beckford settled first in Wiltshire and then permanently in Bath. In 19 years, he created a mile-long landscaped garden, atop of which he had architect Henry Edmund Goodridge build the Lansdown Tower (1826-1827). The tower has since become known as Beckford's Tower. In October 2022, the Bath Preservation Trust initiated a significant restoration project of the tower, its museum and environment, culminating in the reopening in the summer of 2024. The tower building has a rectangular base and rises to about forty metres. The top part (lantern) shows clear references to Greek architecture, with a ‘belvedere’ over the Bath countryside. It features a notable spiral staircase that rests structurally on the external masonry walls without any internal support (with reference to Renaissance staircases such as that of Jacopo Barozzi, known as ‘Vignola’).

Accessibility issues
Beckford's Tower presents challenges in accessibility for individuals with different needs, primarily due to its original architectural structure, which does not fully accommodate those with mobility or visual impairments. Recognising the importance of inclusivity, accessibility, education, and outreach, the Bath Preservation Trust has designed a dedicated information room on the ground floor to cater to individuals with different requirements, including those with mobility and visual impairments. The Bath Preservation Trust commissioned the Centre for Print Research, UWE Bristol (CFPR), to improve the accessibility of information regarding the tower's history, ensuring that everyone can enjoy this historical site. The CFPR has designed and produced a series of replicas and tactile models to facilitate an understanding of the architecture and enhance the visiting experience for people with visual impairments. Beckford's Tower, was clearly conceived and constructed long before regulations or considerations for accessibility were established. As society progresses towards greater inclusivity, retrofitting these historic sites to meet current accessibility standards is both a necessity and a matter of respecting human rights. However, preserving the site's integrity and authenticity holds significant value. Introducing modern elements such as external elevators or ramps might disrupt the historical aesthetics and compromise the original design intent. For Beckford's Tower, structural constraints and spatial limitations render such modifications impractical. For example, the staircase dimensions are minimal, far from ideal for accessibility adaptations, making retrofitting highly unfeasible. Despite these challenges, it is crucial that people with varying needs can experience the site, its history, and its natural surroundings as fully as possible. Given these constraints, the most appropriate solution identified in this case study, considering technical feasibility and budget, is the production of tactile replicas for exploration by Visually Impaired People (VIPs). Tactile exploration within museum exhibitions has recently developed due to the advent of 3D printing and rapid prototyping technologies. These methods allow visitors to obtain detailed sensory information, enriching their understanding of cultural heritage artefacts. However, tactile artefacts present significant challenges; they often require modifications from the original, such as changes in material, colour, and size, necessitating careful translation and curation. Various artefacts, including maps and 3D replicas, have been produced in this context. Tactile graphics use raised surfaces to convey visual information, 3D models illustrate fundamental or abstract concepts, and real objects are unmodified items from the environment.