Last week the Armatus Team were invited to the opening of the new ‘Discover the Deep’ exhibition at Dynamic Earth in Edinburgh. We loaned several specimens from our collection for the exhibit and as educational resources in the ongoing outreach programme in schools and at events. They had just returned from visiting schools in Aberdeen. Our collaboration with Dynamic Earth extends even further back. We provided images and educational content for their open-air exhibit during lockdown. We were all excited to see the completed exhibit and how the team at Dynamic Earth had communicated the deep-sea to a wider audience.
We had the opportunity to hear from the passionate people who had made the exhibition possible, such as Dr Hermione Cockburn, the Scientific Director at Dynamic Earth, and Professor Murray Roberts, a professor of Applied Marine Biology and Ecology at the University of Edinburgh. Their excitement was infectious and was not without reason, as the exhibition itself truly captures the breadth of the deep-sea, its potential future and our place in it. Project officer, Blair Watson rightfully received an extended round of applause for all his work in organising the project. Blair came down to visit our specimen collection at Dove Marine Laboratory to select specimens to loan.
The exhibition itself takes you on a journey through the history of deep-sea exploration, right up to the latest in contemporary research technologies. We were reminded of Scotland’s extensive history of deep-sea discovery, with pioneers such as Sir Charles Wyville Thomson and his ground-breaking expeditions in the late 1800’s, which formed the foundations of modern-day oceanography. A beautifully unique spin on the display of jarred marine specimens was a highlight, with species being shown in the form of intricate etchings delicately illuminated with changing light. Moving through to the most impressive display of all, was a gigantic 20ft high curved screen where visitors can control spotlights, and hunt for some of our favourite species in the dark of the deep.
A beautifully unique spin on the display of jarred marine specimens was a highlight, with species being shown in the form of intricate etchings delicately illuminated with changing light.
Entering the final chamber, we were shown the latest in deep-sea technologies and conservation, from how researchers are mapping the deep, to examining microplastics under microscopes. We had a blast testing out the interactive activities such as driving an ROV around hydrothermal vents, and reflecting on our own actions to help conserve this ecosystem and our planet.
Overall, it was truly a fantastic night, and we fully recommend paying a visit for anyone and everyone finding themselves in Edinburgh. We can’t wait to hear your opinions – make sure to send them to us if you pay a visit!
To find out more about the exhibition:
https://www.dynamicearth.co.uk/visit/discover-the-deep
To get in touch about collaborating with us:
Email – info@armatusoceanic.com
Twitter - @ArmatusO
Instagram - @armatusoceanic
Linkedin – @Armatus Oceanic