How You Can Help Keep Our Victorian Gem Open

One of the Isle of Man’s weirdest and most wonderful attractions could shut up shop soon — unless some new helpers step in to save the day.

The Great Union Camera Obscura has been peeking over Douglas harbour for more than 130 years, but it’s now struggling to stay open thanks to a shrinking pool of volunteers.

Built in 1892 purely to entertain nosy Victorian tourists, this quirky landmark uses 11 fixed lenses to project live panoramic views of the area onto a big circular table inside a darkened room — a bit like old-school CCTV, but fancier.

It’s been owned by the Manx Government since the late 1980s, lovingly restored, and run by the Villa-Gaiety lot.

But without enough folks to man the lenses, the show might not go on.

Ruth Kelly, secretary of the Isle of Man Victorian Society, told Gef that when she started, they had around 40 volunteers.

But now, many can’t manage the steep steps or have health issues, even though they’re still really keen.

She said past appeals brought in legends like heritage enthusiast Howard Quayle, and that newbies get full training and are always paired with an experienced volunteer.

‘All you need is a bit of enthusiasm and a love of chatting to visitors,’ Ruth added.

The Camera Obscura usually opens on weekends and bank holidays from May to mid-September — but it can’t run without a team.

Fancy helping out to keep an island gem open? Give Ruth or Peter Kelly a ring on 621733 (evenings ideally).