A research team is investigating how Google Glass can be used to display instant information on artworks as visitors walk round museums and galleries, with the possibility the technology could replace guidebooks and audio guides entirely.

A team from Manchester Metropolitan University (MMU) in the north of England is using artist George Stubbs’ artwork Cheetah and Stag with Two Indians to test the service, which provides the user with information they would normally read on the wall while audio information about Stubbs will also be made available to the viewer.

The wearer uses the glasses to take a picture of the painting, which is then recognised by Google Glass, that then provides the information.

Testers of the technology were made up of a mix of art gallery goers of all ages, genders and occupations. An MMU spokesperson said that response to the technology had been generally positive.

Further tests on the technology will be carried out on six more paintings throughout June, with the team hoping that the glasses will eventually be able to provide suggestions and recommend similar works, for example other oil paintings of that period or other works by Stubbs. The glasses would then direct the user to the right area of the gallery. Beyond that, there are also plans to test the technology on sculptures and three-dimensional works.