TO ALL AT SEA

‘To All at Sea’ is dedicated to the lives lost in this tragedy and the culmination of Anthony Garratt's public painting installation on Anglesey, which altered course with each change in wind direction. The original bell was recovered from the wreck of the Royal Charter. This bell rings throughout the performance.

This film has been made from two performances of a unique musical composition, generated by data collected from the wind driven movements of the art installation over a 60 day period. The same 60 day period that The Royal Charter had spent sailing from Melbourne to its tragic end 160yrs previously. The wind powered the ships journey, its tragic end and this project’s acts of commemoration.

One performance was recorded at the site of the installation, just north of Moelfre, the second at St Gallgos church. Both performances took place on October 26th 2019. Many of the injured were cared for at St Gallgos. Many of the dead were laid to rest within its graveyard.

The Royal Charter Storm left a trail of devastation from Cornwall to Scotland. 133 ships were sunk, 90 were badly damaged and over 800 human lives were lost. The greatest loss of life occurred on the shores of Anglesey, over 450 lives were lost when the Royal Charter steam clipper was driven ashore near Moelfre by Force 12 hurricane winds. Among the dead were residents of Moelfre who had attempted to save passengers from the stricken ship.

It is in all of their honour that voices and strings scored in cycles of wind sing forth.