Professor Kettlestring's Mysterious World opens in York

The Mysterious World of Professor Kettlestring opened at Merchant Gate on Friday 10th January.

Visitors can step into Professor Kettlestring's 'weird and wonderful world' of optical illusions, housed in the former Mysite York building.

They are informed that Professor Kettlestring has gone missing and are shown the inventions he left behind.

One optical illusion makes visitors see as if their head is on a platter, while another gives the impression that someone is much taller than the person standing next to them.

At Professor Kettlestring's Puzzle World, visitors are treated to an optical illusion with their heads on a plate (Image: Dylan Connell) Most illusions are brought to life through the lens of a camera, and staff are on hand to capture images that will amaze viewers.

This attraction is open to everyone, from families to solo travelers.

York residents Matthew and Marianne Tritton-Hughes are behind the attraction.

“We had been to the Camera Obscura[in Edinburgh]and thought it would work well in York,” Marianne told the press. “There's nothing like this in York.”

Matthew and Marianne Tritton-Hughes (center and right) behind the mysterious world of Professor Kettlestring (Image: Dylan Connell) The mother of two, Henry, 11, and Chester, nine, added: “My kids love this kind of stuff.”

The attraction's 19th-century Professor Kettlestring is a made-up scientist from York.

His name has connections to the city, such as Kettlestring Lane on Clifton Moor, and is also the maiden name of Matthew's grandmother, who taught him about the scientific advances made by the city's people.

In the mysterious world of Professor Kettlestring, children appear taller than adults (Image: Dylan Connell) Matthew said the museum also draws inspiration from steampunk, with its name being a play on the subgenre of science fiction and fantasy literature. This genre usually features some aspect of steam-powered machinery.

According to Matthew, the trainspotter that tracks steam locomotives is called Kettle, which also helped form the name.

“The response was great.”

Marianne said the attraction was run by an eight-strong team with a “good mix” of backgrounds including hospitality.

She hailed the opening as a success and said the attraction was fully booked all weekend.

“The response has been amazing,” she said. “It was much busier than I expected, especially since it was January and it was cold.”

Sideways room in Professor Kettlestring's Puzzle World (Image: Dylan Connell) Marianne and Matthew want the mysterious world of Professor Kettlestring to become a top destination in York.

“I think York has world-famous tourist attractions, but not everyone wants to go to a castle,” Matthew said.

“If you want light-hearted fun and mind-boggling, awe-inspiring attractions, this is the place.

“And everyone leaves with a smile on their face.”

A 'disguised' visitor to the mysterious world of Professor Kettlestring (Image: Dylan Connell) Professor Kettlestring's Puzzle World is open Monday through Friday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., and on weekends until 5 p.m.

Spaces can be reserved in-store or online at https://www.puzzlingworldyork.com/.