We are delighted to share that the first public presentation and digital unveiling of the King Athelstan statue took place on Saturday, 19 July at Kingston’s Historic Market House – and it was a resounding success!
The event opened with a warm welcome from Alan Birkinshaw, our project’s Business Lead, followed by an inspiring talk from Andrew Sinclair, the internationally renowned sculptor behind the statue. We were honoured to receive heartfelt words of support from JC Nebel, Director of KERI, Kingston University, highlighting the cultural significance of the project.
The presentation continued with engaging insights from the core team, including the project lead, animation and sound design specialists, and our lead developer. Audiences were given a behind-the-scenes look into the creative and technical process that brought the project to life.
The highlight of the event was the mixed reality experience – and digital unveiling of the King Athelstan statue – featuring animated representations of King, Queen, hound, and raven. Visitors were immersed in a rich soundscape blending medieval-inspired music with evocative period sounds – battle noise, a barking hound, and the distant cries of ravens – transporting them straight into Æthelstan’s world.
The atmosphere was joyful and full of curiosity, and the response from attendees was overwhelmingly positive.
We’re now preparing for our next public showcase:
📍 Sunday, 27 July, 10:00 – 1:45
📍 The Bandstand, Canbury Gardens
Join us there for another chance to step into the past through the power of mixed reality!
A huge thank you to everyone involved and to all who joined us on this special day. Onwards!
Gallery
Unveiling the King Æthelstan maquette – with Andrew Sinclair and Jarek Francik
Jean-Christophe Nebel, Director of Knowledge Exchange and Research Institute, Kingston University, reflects on the power of collaboration.
Interviewing the Animation Team – Joana Sousa Dias and Christel ‘t Hoen
Sound Design Team, from right to left: Leah Kardos, Andrew Siclair (the sculptor), George Reid, and Rob Plummer
Jarek Francik with Scott Furlong, Kingston 2025 Programme Director
Alan Birkinshaw (left), Business Lead, tries on the soundscape under the attentive gaze of technical specialist Tuchan Anthony
All photos by Kate Trybicka-Francik, unless otherwise noted