Design your own semaphore language! Remix this game and replace the costumes in the 'text' sprite to design your messages which pop up based on the positions of your arms. ----- Semaphore is a type of 'optical telegraph', one of the earliest ways to communicate over long distances. In 1792 Frenchman Claude Chappe built a series of semaphore towers which spanned the length of France. With moveable arms on top, different positions signalled different letters - and allowed them to pass messages up to 20miles between each tower. This system inspired a flag based system, which was quickly copied by the Brits who were at war with the French and envious of their quick communication. The British War Office began experimenting with different forms of semaphore, including between the newly built Martello towers in Essex and a ship at Mersea island called HMS Warning!
This interactive artwork is part of Signals’ ‘Talk Time’ project, where we’re exploring the history of communication technology along the Tendring coastline, especially in times of need. It is made possible with funding from The National Lottery Heritage Fund. Find out more: https://www.signals.org.uk/talk-time-emergency-conversations-along-the-coastline/
