London (AFP)

The splendor of Queen Victoria's balls at Buckingham Palace is brought to life by a nineteenth century optical illusion recreated by a Hollywood studio, the time of an exhibition presented in London until the end of September.

Concretely, images are projected on a ceiling of the palace ballroom, then reflected on a glass screen almost invisible at 45 degrees, giving the impression that the dancers appear magically in the room.

This process, dubbed Pepper Ghost, dates back to the 19th century. He then stunned - or even terrified - the audience of the theaters where he was used.

The projected film shows four costumed couples dancing on a waltz of "La Traviata" by the Italian composer Giuseppe Verdi. Other period features are present: the original wallpaper of Buckingham Palace, friezes, decorations.

Lasting three minutes, it is the work of a Hollywood studio specializing in virtual reality, whose name has not been revealed.

"This is a fusion of 21st and 19th century technologies," said Amanda Foreman, curator of the exhibition commemorating the 200th anniversary of the birth of Queen Victoria, who ruled from 1837 to 1901.

"Victoria had been deprived of a normal social life when she was young," she added. "The dance helped him to feel alive".

Built in 1854, the ballroom, the largest room in the palace, is used today for state banquets, like the one held last month in honor of US President Donald Trump. occasion of his state visit to the United Kingdom.

Located in the heart of London, Buckingham Palace remained unoccupied for a long time until Victoria took residence there on the throne in 1837 at the age of 18.

The exhibition shows how Victoria and her husband, Prince Albert, have done what it is today: the seat of the British monarchy, but also a family home. Victoria had nine children, eight of whom were born at the palace.

Among the objects presented, and never previously seen by the public, are watercolors of trees made by Victoria in the gardens of the palace.

On Wednesday, the exhibition, visible from Saturday to September 29, was visited by Queen Elizabeth II.

© 2019 AFP