When Penderyn Distillery expanded into the historic Swansea Copperworks, they didn’t just want a static museum; they wanted an unforgettable, multi-sensory journey. Thorp Modelmakers was commissioned to design and fabricate a visceral visitor attraction that plunges guests directly into the intense, fiery history of Welsh copper making.
The Copper Tunnel Walk-Through
The centrepiece of the visitor experience is a spectacular, fully immersive walk-through tunnel. Far from a traditional display, this installation takes visitors on a physical journey through the entire 19th-century copper-making process—from the dark depths of mining the raw ore, to the intense smelting process, and finally, the heavy rolling of the metal ready for manufacturing into the remarkable copper stills employed by Penderyn to produce their renowned, multi-award winning single malt whisky .
To make this history truly tangible, we designed, engineered and built a completely multi-sensory environment. We didn't just want visitors to see the history; we wanted them to feel it.
The Tasting Experience Room
After experiencing the raw heat and noise of the historic foundry, the journey concludes in the refined comfort of the Tasting Experience Room. Here, the focus shifts from industrial might to crafted luxury. We fabricated a bespoke environment anchored by highly realistic imitation fire, creating a moody, inviting atmosphere for guests to sample the whisky. Seamlessly integrated information screens guide visitors through the tasting notes, perfectly balancing physical comfort with modern digital storytelling.
The Thorp Impact
This project represents the absolute cutting edge of the modern visitor attraction. By combining our 140-year heritage of physical making with advanced theatrical technology and sensory effects, we helped Penderyn transform a piece of local history into an unforgettable, living reality.