2023: An Interactive VR Press (Kelmscott/Goudy Albion press c. 1830) was added to the project The extensive interactive Virtual Printing VR experience was built by Aidan Grant which was featured in the exclusive 2023 ImagineRIT Fieldhouse exhibit. The press was 3D modeled by Boyu Xu,Bailey Cohen and Materials by Caspian Halbert. You can view a video of the project here:
The 2019 Virtual Cary Collection invites players to visit RIT's Cary Graphic Arts Collection using VR. Players can interact with a variety of artifacts in innovative ways, including experiencing the artifacts in their historical contexts. Descriptions of each artifact is presented on demand to the player based on their current gaze.
Artifacts currently designed include an English hornbook c. 1600 that can be broken into its component pieces and aged and de-aged. Players can also use the hornbook to travel back in time to an Elizabethan schoolhouse. Similarly, handling an ancient cuneiform tablet takes players to the ancient Sumerian city of Umma.
Work in Progress: Arthur M Lowenthal Memorial Room "The Press Room"
The Cary Collection has a collection of 20 functional historical printing presses. Below, is a 3D rendering of an Albion iron hand press, c. 1830. In VR we aim to present several printing presses from different eras. Players will be able to operate the presses and learn more about their history and uses.
One of RIT's graduate students Boyu Xu, who also helped with this project built multiple presses that we are working to integrate into the VR World. Below is shown one he published on Sketchfab in 3D: