Sep 11 2008
Animated film explores Anglesey’s past
 Pic: cadw |
Anglesey’s prehistoric heritage will be retold in a unique style this summer as part of an innovative interactive project taking place at medieval Beaumaris Castle. Artist and animator Sean Harris, along with a number of other prominent artists, musicians and authors, will work with the island’s community to create an animated film, Songs from Stones, inspired by Anglesey’s rich and varied prehistoric past. |
Commissioned by Cadw, the Welsh Assembly’s historic environment service, and created by artist Sean Harris, Songs From Stones is the culmination of an innovative community project on the island, continuing the pioneering work undertaken with National Museum Wales, to explore Anglesey’s prehistoric heritage.
Songs From Stones will be shown in a rather unconventional cinema housed in a converted grain silo located in one of the castle’s magnificent round towers. Visitors in August have helped create storyboards, characters, props and noises which have been incorporated into the final film.
Mike Williams, Cadw’s head custodian at Beaumaris Castle, said: “We’ve had a very busy and successful month at the castle, with the team and visitors helping create the film while trying their hand in the various workshops and Cadw is delighted to have the opportunity to showcase the final film which includes some very exciting elements.
In short, the film links the two burial chambers – Barclodiad y Gawres and Bryn Celli Ddu – with an Earth Goddess rising from the carved stone in Barclodiad y Gawres and creating a strange potion which explodes, causing the Isle of Anglesey to be formed in the steaming embers of the fire. Visitors will have to come along and see the film to see what happens in the end.
Devised and developed by Harris, Songs From Stones is an initiative funded by Cadw with support from archaeologists at National Museum Wales and Gwynedd Museum and Art Gallery, Bangor.
There has also been input from Oriel Ynys Môn and Gwynedd Archaeological Trust.
Cadw has responsibility for protecting, conserving and promoting an appreciation of the historic environment of Wales.
This includes historic buildings, ancient monuments, historic parks and gardens, landscapes and underwater archaeology.
Stones From Stones is premiered at Beaumaris Castle, anglesey, tomorrow from 10.30am to 5pm. For more information go to Cadw’s website at www.cadw.wales.gov.uk
Jayne Rowlands, Cadw’s Head of Presentation said:
Songs from Stones is a unique and exciting event that will engage the local community and visitors and it appeals to both children and adults. The legacy of the island’s extraordinary heritage lies in a rich array of prehistoric monuments and objects, spanning atleast five thousand years of history and prehistory and the film and workshops are a perfect opportunity to really get stuck into Anglesey’s heritage.
