A BALLAD OF ANCHOR HEAD COVE

A sound work by Phil Owen & Sam Francis commissioned by Culture Weston for Heritage Open Days. September 2020

At Anchor Head Cove, a series of stories exploring the coast’s past heritage unfold in a new, sound work led by Weston-based artist Sam Francis and artist Phil Owen who grew up in the area. ‘A Ballad of Anchor Head Cove’ uncovers a unique soundtrack for this small beach spot situated on Weston-super-Mare’s coast between Knightstone Island and Birnbeck Pier.

Taking the stories of three main ‘characters’, the piece explores the history around a swimmer, Kathleen Thomas, the first person to swim from Penarth to Weston in the 1920s; a song ‘The False Bride’ by Somerset peasant folk singer Lucy White (1849 – 1923) and memories of a former hotel at the Cove.

The work is created to be listened to in location or anywhere in the world, as gentle encouragement for people to remember the stories of the places they are connected to.

Featuring the additional  voices of Sara Dauncey and John Crockford-Hawley with narration by Hannah Ackerman. Audio production by Sam Francis with support from Eliza Lomas.