No.1 for No.10: SKC Studios bags Gladstone avatar contract
The project provides a new and ethical way for modern audiences to access the Victorian statesman’s leadership ideas, historical record and political legacy through advanced conversational technology.
AI William Gladstone will be a high-fidelity, ethically designed conversational avatar delivering historical accuracy, emotional intelligence and a nuanced representation of Gladstone’s contributions alongside the complexities of his era. Powered by SKC Studios’ award-winning 1956 Individuals platform, the avatar will launch in Spring 2026 with videos on MoPM’s website featuring notable individuals engaging with the avatar.
The platform combines cutting-edge creative technology with robust content governance and consultation with rights-holders, estates, and parties with authority over relevant historical content. This ensures respectful access to Gladstone’s documented legacy, including both his reforming achievements and Victorian-era controversies.
SKC Studios, based at The EpiCentre in Haverhill and backed by SoftBank AI among others, won the AI Innovation category of the 35th Anniversary Business Weekly Awards in September. It has opened offices in the Middle East and South America and is now seeking substantial growth capital.
Sir Anthony Seldon, Co-founder and Trustee of MoPM, said: “This ethical AI avatar will serve as a compelling showcase of MoPM’s vision for the physical museum in central London, where we plan to house several such avatars to bring history to life through immersive, educational storytelling.
“By collaborating with SKC Studios to bring William Gladstone into the digital era through AI, we are blending history, art, and cutting-edge technology to explore his achievements and controversies and make leadership lessons vivid, relevant, and educational for future generations.
“This initial stage of development establishes the foundation to set a new benchmark for digital engagement within the cultural sector.”
Babita Devi, Co-founder and Chief Commercial Officer of SKC Studios, added: “Winning this contract is a proud moment for our team and an exceptional project to be part of. Our approach honours William Gladstone’s contributions to leadership and reform while openly acknowledging the challenges and complexities of his era.
“Partnering with MoPM enables us to help people access this important history in ways that are relevant and engaging, fusing heritage and innovation to create ethical AI experiences that engage, inform, and inspire.”
Museum of the Prime Minister has a mission to establish a permanent museum in central London where visitors can explore the achievements, failures and decisions of British prime ministers – a museum about our past to educate our future.
Author and historian Sir Anthony Seldon and entrepreneur Dr Robert D. Kilgour founded MoPM in 2023. MoPM is endorsed by Sir John Major, Lord Deben, Lord Salisbury, Dame Penny Mordaunt, Baroness Jay, Lord Morgan, Lord Robertson, Lord Asquith and Lord Donoughue, among others and is supported by a cross-party Advisory Council, including historian and broadcaster Dan Snow.
