The Abbot's Cliff Sound Mirror
This article presents a methodology for safeguarding the Acoustic Heritage of the Abbot's Cliff Sound Mirror in Kent, UK. This concrete structure, built in 1928 as part of an early warning air defence system, is a well-preserved example of pre-Radar technology. In addition to its historical value, the mirror's acoustic space is a cultural asset with deep connections to the local community. The mirror's monumental shape, its location, the weather conditions, and its wartime associations have given rise to a range of artistic and cultural expressions of silence, solitude, fear, darkness, and deep listening.
These manifestations are extremely relevant for this research as they exemplify the community's relationship with the mirror. To accurately safeguard this acoustic space, the article's authors argue that more than just impulse responses must be considered, with particular attention to simulating the original listening system and source characteristics. In October 2022, the Acoustic Heritage Collective visited the Abbot's Cliff Mirror to conduct a pre-assessment and develop strategies for further safeguarding of acoustic heritage through 3D data collection and the design of a virtual application for public dissemination.
