[Here’s another example of how a diverse, interdisciplinary team can come together to create a rich presence experience that is both educational and entertaining. This version of the story was created by combining elements from a Kingston University news release and a modified version of that release posted on the Medievalists blog; see the latter version for a one-minute video (which is also available on Vimeo) and follow the link at the end of the story for much more information about the project. –Matthew]
King Athelstan in Virtual Reality: New Project Brings England’s First King to Life
A new interdisciplinary project led by Kingston University is using artificial intelligence and immersive technology to reimagine King Athelstan—the man widely regarded as the first King of England—in virtual and augmented reality.
[No author identified]
August 2025
Launched to mark the 1,100th anniversary of Athelstan’s coronation in 925 at Kingston upon Thames, the project blends sculpture, storytelling, and spatial audio to create a dynamic VR experience that places visitors in the middle of the early medieval era.
At the heart of the initiative is a digital interpretation of a maquette by renowned sculptor Andrew Sinclair. Visitors wearing VR headsets can interact with a 360-degree sculpture of Athelstan, his aunt Æthelflæd, a raven representing wisdom, and the King’s dog—a symbol of loyalty. Subtle animations give the figures life: Æthelflæd and Athelstan’s eyes follow users, while the animals move in response to the viewer’s presence.
The project is funded by Kingston University’s Knowledge Exchange Research Institute (KERI) Collaboration Grant, with the University’s Institute of Cyber, Engineering and Digital Technologies and Institute of Design, Arts and Creative Practice working together to develop a bold interdisciplinary approach combining fine art, immersive technology and historical storytelling.
The project recently became an official partner of Kingston 2025, a cultural programme led by Kingston Council to mark the anniversary. Two major public events took place earlier this summer at Kingston Market House and Canbury Gardens to showcase the sculpture and to invite residents to see the statue in interactive format and learn about the Saxon era.
Computer animation alumni Christel ’t Hoen and Joana Sousa Dias contributed to the project and were responsible for 3D modelling, texturing and animation, while current computer games programming student Matteo Marelli helped with software development of an AI-driven voice-based storytelling agent. Local businessman Alan Birkinshaw, who works for a local sculpting company served as the project’s business coordinator.
The experience has recently expanded to include sound. Dr Leah Kardos, a music expert at Kingston University, joined the team to create a spatial audio soundscape with colleagues Dr George Reid and Robert Plummer from the Performing Arts department. Together, they have designed an adaptive musical composition that reacts in real time to visitors’ movements and gaze.
“Drawing on research into Saxon-era music and instruments, our team combined historically inspired composition and sound design into an adaptive soundscape to enrich the immersive VR experience and deepen its emotional and educational impact,” said Dr Kardos. “The sound and music responds to where visitors move and look, connecting historical storytelling with cutting-edge audio technology.”
Senior Lecturer in Games Development and Design Dr Jarek Francik, who is leading the project, said the ultimate goal was to promote local pride and community spirit while entertaining and educating people about Kingston upon Thames’ historic past. “Through immersive storytelling and interactive engagement, we are aiming to bring King Athelstan’s era to life in an unprecedented and innovative way through cutting-edge technology.”
“Working together with colleagues in the music department, these groundbreaking advances will help audiences understand the area’s local history and reinforce the project’s role as a cultural highlight of Kingston 2025,” he said.
The King Athelstan Project represents a bold fusion of technology, art, and history. As it continues to evolve in the lead-up to Kingston 2025, the team hopes it will not only educate but also inspire a deeper connection to England’s early medieval past.
Leave a Reply