THE Tolpuddle Martyrs are to step out of the history books as a new project brings their story to life.

The story of the six Dorset farm labourers is given a contemporary touch as their story is brought to life in a new art exhibition using the interactive experience of augmented reality.

Augmented reality uses technology to superimpose computer generated films, images and interactive components on what someone is seeing in the real world. This could be by using a tablet or mobile phone to view the original artwork and then ‘seeing’ the augmented part as 3D on the screen.

The man behind this exhibition, which is coming to the Shire Hall Historic Courthouse Museum in Dorchester, is acclaimed digital artist Jason Wilsher-Mills.

He interviewed descendants of the Tolpuddle Martyrs to create the piece.

His previous work with young disabled people, Brave Boy Billy, was displayed at the Tate Modern and his new project, Jason and the Argonauts, which explores the aspirations and experiences of disabled groups, has just been shortlisted for Unlimited art funding. Unlimited supports ‘ambitious, creative projects by outstanding disabled artists and companies.’

The exhibition, 'Tolpuddle Martyrs Remixed: Six Dorset men who changed the world,' will open at the Dorchester courthouse museum on March 19.

Mr Wilsher-Mills said: “I wanted to return them to Tolpuddle. The clothes they are wearing feature leaves from Tolpuddle trees and I spent time photographing the local insects, so they could be included too. I wanted to make them of Dorset.

“I wanted to get the sense that they were part of Dorset, their hearts were in Dorset. Their families and the earth they tended, and the local wildlife had such an impact on them. I wanted to link that into the artwork. I wanted to show them as humble, very religious, which they were, and strong. There’s a steeliness in their eyes.”

Everything within the artwork will have a meaning and this will be brought to life through augmented reality.

Mr Wilsher-Mills said the Tolpuddle Martyrs oath, the ship they were transported on and even Australia itself, would be floating in front of visitors’ eyes.

He said: “It’s really bonkers, amazing stuff.”

It is hoped the artwork will create debate around the Martyrs' story but also around contemporary issues like what it means to be British.

Shire Hall will be recruiting volunteers to help visitors in the exhibition room. It will run until June 14, after which it will be available to other venues.

For more information or to become a volunteer visit shirehalldorset.org.