The Puzzling World of Professor Kettlestring opened in Merchantgate on Friday (January 10).
It invites visitors to step into Professor Kettlestring’s “bizarre and wonderful world” full of optical illusions, inside the former MySight York building.
They are told that Professor Kettlestring has gone missing and are shown the inventions he has left behind.
One illusion lets visitors appear as though their heads have been served up on a plate, while another gives the impression that someone is far taller than the person standing next to them.
Visitors have their heads served up on a plate at one optical illusion at the Puzzling World of Professor Kettlestring (Image: Dylan Connell) Most of the illusions are brought to life through the lens of a camera – and staff are on hand to help capture images to surprise whoever sees them.
The attraction is open to everyone, from families to people visiting on their own.
Husband and wife team Matthew and Marianne Tritton-Hughes from York are behind the attraction.
“We thought it could work really well in York,” Marianne told The Press. “York hasn’t got anything like this.”
The attraction’s 19th century Professor Kettlestring is a made-up scientist from York.
His name has connections to the city – like Kettlestring Lane in Clifton Moor – and is also the maiden name of Matthew’s grandmother, who told him about scientific breakthroughs by people in the city.
Matthew said trainspotters who follow steam trains are called kettles, which also helped shape the name.
‘The reaction has been great’
The attraction is run by an eight strong team who come from a “good mix” of backgrounds, including hospitality, Marianne said.
She hailed its opening as a success, saying the attraction is fully booked all weekend.
“The reaction has been great,” she said. “It’s been a lot busier than expected, with it being January and cold.”
“I think York has got world renowned attractions, but not everyone wants to go to a castle,” Matthew said.
“If you want some light-hearted fun, and a mind-boggling, awe-inspiring attraction, it’s the place to come.
“And everyone leaves with a smile on their face.”
Spaces can be booked in store or online at https://www.puzzlingworldyork.com/
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():focal(754x318:756x320)/Lower-Risk-Colorectal-Cancer-011025-01-c728df8ba92f48d081d10115c28e86ad.jpg "Milk Might Lower Woman’s Risk of Colorectal Cancer, Study Says")
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():focal(471x244:473x246)/CNN-New-Years-Eve-with-Anderson-Cooper-123124-9952e5f00fc1425f87113ba2bfb97b29.jpg "Anderson Cooper Says He Once ‘Hated’ New Year’s Eve While Co-Hosting CNN Broadcast")
