To All At Sea | Bawb yn y môr

An extraordinary art installation on Anglesey, North Wales

'To All At Sea' Painting Installation History

Following the award winning painting installation, 'High and Low' in 2016, the team behind this project are thrilled to be working together again on bringing a theatrical and engaging painting installation to Anglesey, due for launch in spring 2019. The subject of the installation is the 160th anniversary of the 'Royal Charter Storm' of 1859. The installation will be created by Anthony Garratt, enabled by The Outbuildings, Anglesey and built by Mark and Loz Shipwrights.

The Royal Charter Storm

In October 1859, The Royal Charter, a steamship en route to Liverpool from Melbourne was wrecked off the east coast of Anglesey in a ferocious storm which ripped through the Irish Sea. It is estimated that 800 lives were lost in the storm, which was coined 'The Royal Charter Storm'.

The Royal Charter is legendary on Anglesey, not least due to the heroic efforts of locals from Moelfre who attempted to rescue crew and passengers. In a dreadful twist of fate, the ship was carrying a cargo of gold and many of the people on board had sewn gold into their clothes. Upon entering the sea, they were immediately committed to the seabed.

One of the lesser known consequences of The Royal Charter storm was its influence on the modern day shipping forecast and the development of the meteorological office. Captain Robert Fitzroy, who was in charge of the office at the time, brought in the first gale warning service in 1860 to prevent similar tragedies.

Full press release PDF attached.