A message from Pen Llŷn

A special piece of work will be unveiled at Plas Glyn-y-weddw near Llanbedrog on the 17th of November 2013, to celebrate the completion of the second project in the Eluned Gymraes Davies Programme, which is managed by The National Library of Wales.

The programme will be run with money bequeathed to the National Library from the estate of Eluned Gymraes Davies (1910-2004) in her memory. Eluned Gymraes Davies, who lived in Pontardawe , played a crucial part in establishing Bryn House Community Centre in Uplands, Swansea over 60 years ago , and was appointed as the first Principal there.

In June, the Library welcomed the renowned artists Ann Catrin Evans and Angela Evans to the Library in search of inspiration to create pieces of craftwork with the students in a series of 12 workshops.

During the workshops, the students created metal hand tools which were used to form markings on paper produced specially by them, and bound into little books. The work created as a result of these visits gave students the opportunity to practice new skills which include: soldering; embossing; colouring metal; forging iron; papermaking and bookbinding.

Aled Gruffydd Jones, Chief Executive and Librarian of The National Library of Wales said:
“The Eluned Gymraes Davies bequest has enabled The National Library to explore its collections in new ways. The idea of craftsmen learning new skills to people from all over Wales using items from the Library’s collection is very exciting”

One of the students, Nerys Jones said:
"It was a great opportunity to work with with copper and silver - materials that I would not normally have the opportunity to deal with them, under the very able guidance of tutors. I live on the Llŷn Peninsula; therefore, learning about my locality through collections at The National Library of Wales was an invaluable experience."

Tutor Angela Evans added:
"It was great to have the opportunity to introduce high quality workshops free of charge to enthusiastic students. It was a privilege to emulate the work of Eluned Gymraes Davies, and play a part in her legacy by encouraging people to learn about and use traditional crafts. "

All the individual pieces have now been attached to a framed panel that serves as a record of the students’ experiences and creative ideas. The work will be on display at Plas Glyn-y-weddw near Llanbedrog between November 17th and December 24th before being transferred to Aberystwyth to be exhibited in the Eluned Gymraes Davies Room at The National Library of Wales.

Further Information

Elin- Hâf 01970 632471 or post@llgc.org.uk
National Library of Wales Education Service Website

Other projects include

Wrexham Project (wool weaving) November 2013-June 2014