Banbury Museum hosts the first hologram exhibition in the UK for 20 years, writes SYLVIA VETTA

Banbury Museum has done it again. On show until May 5 is an exhibition in stunning three dimensions - the exhibits move or change as you walk up to them. This is the first wide-ranging display of holograms in the UK for over 20 years.

Banbury has a way of punching above its weight while appealing to visitors from all backgrounds and ages. This time they have received support from the International Holography Fund. As part of National Science and Engineering Week and the Oxfordshire Science Week, this exhibition celebrates the 60th anniversary of the first hologram.

The science of producing holograms is called holography. It is a form of photography that allows an image to be recorded in three dimensions. The technique was discovered in 1947 in Rugby by Dennis Gabor, who was researching the electron microscope. The first hologram was produced the following year but that initial image was not exactly impressive.

Most of the beguiling collection on display in this free exhibition belongs to Jonathan Ross - no, not that one! Jonathan said: "Holography really took off in the sixties with the invention of the laser. Since then, artists have used the technique to create 3D visual effects not possible by any other means. Holograms have also been used in advertising, commerce and industry.

"In the late 1970s, I set up a business manufacturing commercial holograms. Most people have one in their pocket without necessarily realising it, as embossed holograms are used on credit cards for security. When I sold my original business, I wanted to stay involved with holography and began this collection. Nowadays, I run Gallery 286 in Earls Court."

What Jonathan did not say was that his collection is regarded as the best in the UK.

The museum exhibitions officer, Dale Johnston, had to wrestle with some unusual problems when mounting this show. If the hologram is not lit properly it simply disappears. I asked him which was his favourite (it turned out to be mine too).

"I like so many of them that it is difficult to choose. Those that move or have other forms of special effects appeal to my curiosity, but on an artistic level I am drawn to Study in Light No 6, an abstract hologram by Dutch artist Rudie Berkhout. It features beautiful blue folds that come out from the picture, combined with light effects reminiscent of those created when sunlight moves through water."

Another artistic creation, Elevator, by Caroline Palmer is rather like a Bridget Riley painting. I met one of the artists, Patrick Boyd. He began his career as a photographer with a particular interest in fashion - he once did a shop window for Zandra Rhodes.

He described the two main techniques he uses.

"One is when the object or person itself is seen through the interaction of two light fields. The result is the same size as the sitter. Recently, I have been working on some outside holograms where the objects are too large for this technique. For the one with cows I used thirty six frames."

Those who are interested in the technology will appreciate the DVD which demonstrates how it is done. There is a touching exhibit of Patrick himself holding his new-born son, Hamish. It is called Virtual Dialogues 1993 and uses 150 frames. His Breakfast is an example of seeing a hologram through a lens, a clever 3D on 3D image.

Adjacent to it is Analytical Female 1989 by Martin Richardson. It is more than one portrait, it is in fact 36. All are surprising. Boy George and Herbie Hancock seem so real but they are disembodied heads like the computer in Red Dwarf.

As well as beautiful images there are humorous ones of people like Sarah 2003 who suddenly appears and blows kisses at you. Others are slightly disturbing because their eyes follow you wherever you go. You cannot avoid becoming part of the show. It is no good standing viewing them like paintings, you have to do a holographic shuffle! It is a rewarding little dance because what you see changes by degree.

Children will enjoy the magic. Some, like Cheshire Cat, are aimed at them. Tigirl has the face of a tiger - a knowing smile transforms into a girl.

Holograms can be a successful teaching aid. One minute you see an elegant bird but you move slightly and there is the skeleton that forms its anatomy. That one is called Heron.

There are fascinating morphs like Cornucopia. What I am describing is diversity.

Jonathan said: "Holography is such a versatile medium that if you gave a title to 20 different artists and supplied them with the same tools they would create 20 completely different images."

Banbury Museum is accessible through the Tourist Information Centre in Castle Quay Shopping Centre. There is easy parking and a café overlooking Tooley's Boatyard. It is open every day except Easter Sunday, 9.30am-5pm, Monday to Saturday, and 10.30am-4.30pm on Sundays and Bank Holidays.