‘Dowr Tamar / Great Water’ explores the evolution of the Tamar river’s landscape through time. With a musical score composed by The Worm, the film catalogues humanity’s technological progression, commercial expansion and environmental exploitation through the 22 bridges that cross the river. Starting as humble footbridges hidden amongst greenery, the widening river soon features concrete constructions capable of carrying vehicles. From here the bridges become metal. Humanity’s influence continues to become more apparent, small settlements make way for hamlets, hamlets become villages, villages become towns. Eventually, the river reaches the industrial revolution’s Royal Albert bridge and 20th century’s subsequent Tamar bridge, before finally opening up to the mass of water beyond.

​

Archive footage provided by The SWFTA Collection @ The Box, Plymouth

​

Made possible by the support of

Arts Council England

FEAST Cornwall

Cornwall Heritage Fund &

Gray's Wharf gallery.

​

​