Ways of seeing the past

Welcome!

I’m Dr. Aaron Watson, an archaeologist, illustrator, and filmmaker, and founder of Monumental, a research-driven creative practice .

For over thirty years, I have explored chambered cairns, stone circles, and rock art sites created thousands of years ago by Neolithic and Bronze Age communities. I often ponder how these sites were used and why their legacies continue to resonate today. Monuments serve as tools for communities to remember and preserve knowledge. My investigations aim to uncover the ideas embedded within these ancient places through the sensory experiences they evoke, particularly their acoustic, optical, and spatial qualities. My research allows us to engage with the distant past in new ways, inviting fresh perspectives on the world.

Close-up of a colorful, abstract mural or artwork.

Creative practice

I started Monumental in 2002 to offer innovative approaches to visualization, reconstruction, film, animation, and photography for academia and the heritage industry. Steve Keeling joined me in 2007 bringing design and additional 3D visualisation skills to the practice. Our projects have included site-specific installations, digital reconstructions, video storytelling, community archaeology, contributions to television, publications, curatorial consultancy, and master planning.

Castlerigg Stone Circle, one of the most atmospheric and dramatically located sites of all British stone circles

Monumental philosophy

I believe that understanding history is about rediscovering new perceptions of the world. My work blends scholarship and creativity to uncover insights that inform our design and storytelling. Ancient marks on stone, landscape alignments and architectural style are not merely remnants; they reflect the decisions and expressions of past communities. By studying these, we aim to develop richer ways of communicating with modern audiences.

This philosophy guides everything we do, whether I am examining a rock art on a hillside or creating digital visualizations of a Roman burial. It is an inclusive journey, and collaborated with researchers, artists, museums, and heritage organizations, to bring the past to life through academic knowledge and creative interpretation.

Oh! One more thing…

Monumental also has a gallery shop featuring prints, gifts, and visual works inspired by my research and our interests. Each piece reflects themes of place, perception, and time, helping to support our ongoing archaeological and creative investigations.

Updates…