Innovative Sound Art Rooted in Heritage
Stanley Mills, in Stanley Perthshire, are owned and managed by Historic Scotland. You will find more about opening times and history on the Historic Scotland web pages.
The RhythmMill sound installation will be available on selected days in 2026. Check with HS
Our Story and Mission
The RhythmMill was conceived and built by Andrew Bachell with assistance from the Stanley and District Men's Shed.
The timber is up-cycled from offcuts, waste and old pallets.
The RhythmMill contains a small computer which drives the sound system and sound loops. The sounds are muted and unmuted by placing "bobbins" on the table top. Each bobbin has a unique RFID tag and sound. The tags are identified by an antenna placed under the table top and this is linked to the computer. (You may not know it, but you already use RFID. It is found in your credit/debit cards for chip and pin and in anti-theft tags in shops.)
The sounds are managed using Audacity software. The coding which brings all the elements together is the amazingly clever bit and anyone who wishes to know more should get in touch.
Sounds are played when bobbins are placed on the table.
Most of the sounds are based on recordings made of mill machinery at the Verdant Works in Dundee. There are also a few midi sounds. All the loops have been processed so that there are a limited number of rhythms. The visitor can create soundscapes. Inspiration can come from wherever, but it is hoped that the mill and its stories will be the main inspiration.
The RhythmMill is designed for creativity.
RhythmMill in action
A soundscape creator with over 5000 sound combinations available
Experience The RhythmMill Today
The RhythmMill will available on selected days only, both at Stanely Mills and Verdant Works in Dundee. Be sure to check before you go.
The RhythmMill is the perfect way for you to create soundscapes and to immerse yourself in the atmosphere of the mill.
Using sound in this way is a fresh way to connect with heritage.