08 Sep DR WILLIAM PRICE OF LLANTRISANT
Over at Satore Studio we have been busy working on an exciting project, based on one of the most revolutionary but often forgotten figures in 19th Century Welsh history – Dr. William Price. The virtual reality experience explores significant moments in Dr. Price’s life which led him to push boundaries in the Victorian era that have gone on to shape our history both in politics and religion.
In this immersive VR experience we have collaborated with Welsh Artist, Illustrator and Writer, Karl Davies. Strongly influenced by his work, the piece aims to fully immerse and educate audiences of all ages into the fascinating life of this eccentric character.
Who was Dr. William Price?
Dr. Wiliam Price of Llantrisant, was a tenacious and dynamic character, a brilliant scholar, an exemplary surgeon from the age of 21, an exiled political activist and a pioneer in establishing an embryonic social health care system that may well have influenced the National Health Service we know today. He was also a significant figure in the local Chartist Movement in South Wales. He established the first co-operative society in Wales, as well as worked to create the first museum of Welsh life. Price also fought courageously for the striking miners and iron workers, whilst also outraging a conventional society with his far-reaching druidic beliefs. Dr. Price’s principles and values were far-reaching in the society of his time, significantly he was arrested, charged and acquitted after the death and attempted cremation of his son Jesus Christ. This then led to the eventual Cremation Act being passed in 1902.
Karl Davies on Dr William Price:
“Dr. William Price was a rebellious, commanding, charismatic Victorian and patriotic Welshman. Spontaneous and unpredictable with the intelligence and guile to speak the truth plainly and openly with the aim of undermining and challenging the pretentious ruling elite, mine and iron works owners. Dr. Price was also a staunch opponent of the church and their control of the poor. Dr. Price was fed up with the gap between rich and poor back in the 1890’s!
Rather than use his obvious brilliance to enhance his own life with trinkets of success he spent his life finding ways to serve the poor and give them practical help and hope in the grimmest of times. Dr. Price put it all out there with abandon and courage. He had everything to lose and carried on regardless. Win or lose he was in it to the end.
It’s time to tell his story and learn the lessons one man’s life can teach us about ourselves”.
About Karl Davies
Karl Davies began painting seriously in 2004, initially using digital photography to explore composition, using a mixture of deliberate and intuitive brush marks in each painting and preparing numerous sketches before the painting begins. He enjoys simplifying forms to make them a suggestion of what they represent, creating a solidity of form, without fuss and literality. Davies has a traditional attitude towards materials and believes in the importance of drawing. He is influenced by the artwork of Josef Herman and German Expressionism.
More about Karl’s Work: https://twitter.com/karlwelshartist?lang=en
Watch the teaser video to Dr. William Price VR Experience.