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.
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.
“This is about bringing King Athelstan’s era to life in an unprecedented and innovative way through cutting-edge technology,” said Dr Jarek Francik, Senior Lecturer in Games Development and Design and the project’s lead. “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.”
He added, “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.”
Computer animation alumni Christel ’t Hoen and Joana Sousa Dias were responsible for 3D modelling, texturing, and animation of the digital statue. Current computer games programming student Matteo Marelli contributed software development for an AI-driven voice-based storytelling agent. Business coordination was provided by Alan Birkinshaw, a local businessman with a background in sculpture.
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.”
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.
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.
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.
“This is about bringing King Athelstan’s era to life in an unprecedented and innovative way through cutting-edge technology,” said Dr Jarek Francik, Senior Lecturer in Games Development and Design and the project’s lead. “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.”
He added, “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.”
Computer animation alumni Christel ’t Hoen and Joana Sousa Dias were responsible for 3D modelling, texturing, and animation of the digital statue. Current computer games programming student Matteo Marelli contributed software development for an AI-driven voice-based storytelling agent. Business coordination was provided by Alan Birkinshaw, a local businessman with a background in sculpture.
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.”
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.
Click here to learn more about the King Æthelstan Project
Top Image: Photo courtesy Kingston University.
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