Gareth Beale from the Archaeology Subject area and Nicole Smith from the School of Education will be premiering their immersive and interactive digital installation “The Sailor King” at Launceston Poetry Festival from 30 May to 1 June. The Sailor King is an immersive multi-media installation by Gareth Beale and Nicole Smith charting one family’s relationship with the landscape and archaeology of the Tamar Valley. Using a mix of film poetry, illustration and sculptural work It tells the story of a journey from Bude to Saltash and explores the deep connections between family, identity and place. The work was partly inspired by the poetry of Charles Causley and the themes of belonging, alienation and mysticism which infuse his writing on landscape. The installation is a multi-generational collaboration using film footage and other material gathered over the past 60 years, featuring work by Gareth Beale, Nicole Smith, Helen Beale, Rowan Beale, and Roy Budden.

The Sailor King: An Archaeology of Us will premier at the Launceston Poetry Festival from 30 May to 1 July at the Merchants Hall in Launceston. The installation is free to access but tickets for talks and events can be purchased from the Charles Causley Trust Website, including a talk by Gareth about the project.

Media Installation at Launceston Poetry Festival

First published: 6 May 2025

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