Schoolchildren create stunning patchworks inspired by the Wrexham Tailor’s Quilt
Local schoolchildren have created stunning patchwork quilts inspired by the famous story of the Wrexham Tailor’s Quilt .
Children from Ysgol Froncysyllte and Rhosddu Primary School created their own quilts as part of school projects.
Both schools were invited to bring their quilts to Tŷ Pawb, where they met the Mayor of Wrexham, Cllr Beryl Blackmore and with Tiffany-Jayne Davies, the four-times great granddaughter of the creator of the original Wrexham Tailor’s Quilt, James Williams.
A historic Wrexham treasure
The quilt is one of the most well-known patchworks produced in Wales. Created by James Williams between 1842 and 1852, the quilt depicts scenes from the Bible such as Adam naming the animals, Cain and Abel, Jonah and the whale, and Noah’s ark. It also features motifs symbolizing Wales, England, Scotland and Ireland. The Menai Suspension Bridge and Cefn Viaduct are also featured.
Such was the workmanship of the quilt, it was displayed at the Art Treasures Exhibition of North Wales, held in Wrexham in 1876 and the National Eisteddfod in 1933, also held in Wrexham.
The quilt is housed permanently at St Fagan’s Museum in Cardiff, but was loaned to Tŷ Pawb in 2022 for a special exhibition.
Pupils from Ysgol Froncysyllte and Rhosddu School were among thousands of local visitors who made the most of a rare opportunity to come and view the quilt up close.
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“The children were blown away with the fact the quilt was from Wrexham!”
Mrs Sophie Hughes, a teacher at Ysgol Froncysyllte C.P. School explains how their project developed: “We discovered the incredible Wrexham Tailor’s Quilt as part of our topic ‘We are creative’. In our planning with the children, we like to look for a ‘golden thread’ which encompasses our locality, Wales, and the wider World. This makes it meaningful for the children, something that they can relate to and celebrate their Welsh identity. The Wrexham Tailor’s Quilt was perfect.
“The children really wanted to see the original quilt in Cardiff, Mrs Hughes got in touch with the curator in St. Fagans and how lucky were we…. she agreed to meet us online! She told us all about the quilt and wow she had the quilt on show too!
“The lady sent us a life size screen print of The Tailors Quilt which we can keep and is central to the display in our school museum and gallery. Seeing the quilt inspired the children to embark on a journey to make our own Dee Valley Quilt.
“We also contacted Adam Jones who featured in the Tŷ Pawb exhibition, and we were very lucky to be able to loan the Adam Jones quilt for our Museum. The children embraced the many images, patterns and ideas held within both quilts and used this as inspiration on their own designs. The children were blown away with the fact the quilt was from Wrexham and how important it is to Welsh Culture.
“During the making process we all worked together, the children made a list of all the places and things that were important to us. The list was quite long and reflected our school, the local community, and Wales. The children chose which subject they would like to represent on the quilt using textiles and so our Dee Valley Quilt was born!
“During the project, the children developed their numeracy skills through creating timelines, measuring, calculating area, calculating sales, percentages, and budgets, tessellating shapes, and understanding symmetry. To practice our sewing skills, we used binca squares and wool. We all learnt how to do a running stitch. It was quite tricky at first, but we soon got the hang of it. We used a variety of different recycled fabrics and adornments. We used dressmaking scissors, fabric glue, sewing needles and threads and were supervised using a real sewing machine. Many new mediums, tools, and skills for the children to experience for the first time.
“We got the community involved too. We invited local groups and businesses to create a square for the quilt and held community days where people joined us in school to share their skills and enjoy a cuppa and a chat, it was such a lovely atmosphere, and we had many comments from everyone who enjoyed being a part of the project.
“On our next phase of the journey, we researched Alexander McQueen and the Sarah Burton designs inspired by the Quilt. In literacy, the children created explanation texts on materials. Younger children looked at ‘How wool is made’ and older children at ‘How cotton is made’.
We also explored materials and their properties in science, testing the absorbency of paper and looking at natural and man-made materials. We used all these skills to become fashion designers. They produced their unique designs based on the quilt just as Alexander McQueen had done. With thought and care they began measuring, cutting, and styling their wooden mannequin.
“This all led to our amazing Tailor’s Journey Museum and Exhibition, where all the children’s hard work and creativity was put on display for the community to embrace. The children are all so extremely proud and have led the process from start to finish, including planning, setting up and running the exhibition. They were on hand to show and explain the displays as well as run workshops on the day to share the skills that they have learned with others. We all hope our Dee Valley Quilt will also be added into the dynamic and rich culture of Wales for generations to come.”
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“Learning new and challenging skills”
Zara Jebb, teacher from Rhosddu Primary School explains their project: “When we were planning our ‘City Circuit’ trip, where the Year 5 and 6 pupils visit our city’s most important buildings, we included a visit to Tŷ Pawb because they had the Tailor’s Quilt on display. The quilt is an excellent primary source, allowing us some insight into what was important to James Williams more than 170 years ago, so the opportunity for us to be able to actually see it ‘in the flesh’ could not be missed!
“The quilt inspired us to make our own version. Each child designed and created a ‘patch’. Maybe, in 170 years’ time school children will look at our quilt and see what was important to Wrexham’s children in the early 2020s!
“Sewing the patches involved learning new and challenging skills for a lot of the children – but, inspired by the perseverance of James Williams, they worked together to create The Rhosddu Tailor’s Quilt.”
Bringing the quilt to its original home
Lead Member with responsibility for Tŷ Pawb, Cllr Hugh Jones said: “The Wrexham Tailor’s Quilt is a stunning creation, however the conservation requirements, fragility and size of the quilt meant that until recently it was a huge challenge to find a space in Wrexham where it could be safely displayed.
“Tŷ Pawb has a category one gallery which means we can now accommodate works of this calibre right here in Wrexham. We are very proud to have been able to bring the quilt back to its original home and display it alongside the works of modern day Wrexham artists such as Adam Jones.
“The stunning quilts created by the children and the wonderful work by the teachers to weave their creative projects around this important piece of Wrexham history show just how valuable it is to be able to bring significant artworks like this to our city.”
Inspiring careers in creative industries
Lead Member for Education, Cllr Phil Wynn said: “Congratulations to the teachers and pupils of Ysgol Froncysyllte and Rhosddu Primary School for creating such wonderful artworks. Both the quilts look absolutely stunning. It’s fantastic to hear that local children have been so inspired by the story of the Wrexham Tailor’s Quilt and their visit to Tŷ Pawb.
“It was also great to hear that Ysgol Froncysyllte had featured Adam Jones and his modern day version of Wrexham Quilt in their project. Adam is a former pupil of the school who is now a London based fashion designer and contemporary tailor. What a fabulous role model for the children and a great example of how to pursue a career in the creative industries.”
Open Call for artists – Submit your works for The Tŷ Pawb Open
The hugely popular Tŷ Pawb Open is a biennial, open submission art competition whereby artists are invited to submit up to three artworks for consideration for display in our open exhibition.
The 2022 Open attracted over 4,500 visitors.
The competition is an opportunity for all professional and amateur Artists to display their work side by side in our award winning gallery and have a chance to win one of this year’s three prizes.
Deadline for entries: Saturday 31st August 2024
Exhibition dates: 16th November 2024 – 8th February 2025
Closing date: 31/08/2024
Book your tickets for Darganfod Science Festival 2024!
Spread the news! Darganfod/Discover Science Festival is returning to Wrexham city centre this summer and tickets are on sale now!
Tŷ Pawb and Xplore! Science Discovery Centre are teaming up once again for a family friendly weekend of spectacular interactive shows, hands on science activities, arts workshops, and much more!
This year’s festival will take place on the weekend of the 3rd and 4th August 2024 and promises to be the most exciting edition yet! Here are some of the activities you can look forward to….
Braintastic
In this interactive experience we showcase the super-smart abilities of the world’s most incredible animals. Featuring puzzles and tests for the whole audience to join in and challenge your own intelligence against amazing animals.
The Sonic Spider
Play and listen to ‘the world’s first eight-legged musical instrument’ and explore the mind of the female orb web spider through sound. For humans, listening to the sounds around us is the closest that we can come to entering the spider’s world of vibrations….
The Bad Boy of Science
Join acclaimed particle physicist AND science communicator, Sam Gregson for a fast-paced, interactive, educational physics show, full of open-minded wonder – and a hint of comedy!
Never a Gull Moment!
Join playful Fishmongers Cliff and Nestor in this comical and engaging walkabout act as they search for an impossible solution to the question: what to do about all the gulls? With a surprising message about the environment and conservation, prepare to ruffle some feathers with interactive puppetry, physical and verbal comedy for families, and an eye-catching flock of giddy gulls!
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A summer holiday highlight for families
Lead Member with responsibility for Tŷ Pawb, Cllr Hugh Jones, said: “Since returning to Wrexham in 2019, Darganfod Science Festival has grown in popularity and ambition each year and is now one of the highlights of the summer holidays in the city centre.
“Last year’s festival was the most successful edition yet, with over 800 people attending over two days. We are hoping to build on the success this year and hope to see even more families enjoying an extravaganza of engaging science and art.”
Book your tickets now
Darganfod/Discover Science Discovery Festival takes place on Saturday 3rd & Friday 4th August 2024.
Head to the Darganfod website for all ticket information.
A full programme for the festival will be available soon. Join our mailing list to get this delivered straight to your inbox!
Stunning Welsh landscapes to be celebrated in two new exhibitions
Paintings and photography celebrating the Welsh countryside are to be featured in two new exhibitions, opening at Tŷ Pawb this April.
Clyde Holmes: Uplandscapes
Clyde Holmes: Uplandscapes is an exhibition of works by landscape painter, Clyde Holmes (1940-2008).
Clyde was born in London and studied fine art at Hornsey College of Art and St Martin’s School of Art 1965-68.
In 1970 Clyde moved with his family to a remote shepherd’s cottage in Capel Celyn, Frongoch, near Bala in Snowdonia National Park, where he lived for over 30 years, painting and writing poetry about the landscape around him.
Clyde’s work featured in ‘Visions of Snowdonia’ series, narrated by Sir Anthony Hopkins.
His works have been exhibited widely in England, Wales and Europe as well as in public and private collections in the UK and abroad.
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Bom Dia Cymru
Alongside the Clyde Holmes works in the gallery will be Bom Dia Cymru, an exhibition of work by renowned photographer Mohamed Hassan. This will include some iconic scenery from around Wales, alongside a selection of photographs taken in Egypt.
Pembrokeshire-based Mohamed Hassan has been shortlisted for several awards and competitions since graduating with a 1st class honours degree in Photography from Carmarthen School of Art in 2016, and has had works featured at prestigious venues including the Mission Gallery, Oriel Davies, the Waterfront National Museum and the National Portrait Gallery.
This exhibition will also feature photographs co-created with members of the Bom Dia Cymru group (part of Comunidade de Lingua Portuguesa CLPW CIC), made up of Portuguese diaspora community members living in Wrexham.
The group recently spent a day photographing some of north Wales’ most iconic locations with Mohamed’s support, including Llyn Tegid (Bala), Llangollen and Capel Celyn. A selection of these photographs will be featured in the exhibition.
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Co-creating exhibitions with the local community
Cllr Hugh Jones said: “With tourism interest in Wrexham continuing to boom and the spring season fast approaching, these two complimentary exhibitions will be perfectly timed for visitors to enjoy a celebration of the breathtaking scenery that we have on our doorstep.
Lead Member with responsibility for Tŷ Pawb, Cllr Hugh Jones said: “A real highlight of the exhibition will be the photographs Wrexham’s Bom Dia Cymru group produced on their trip around north Wales with the support of Mohamed and the group’s coordinator from CLPW, Iolanda Viegas.
“Bom Dia Cymru have been a regular part of the Tŷ Pawb family since the lockdown period of 2021, when art packs were delivered to the group members as part of the Arts at Home programme. Since then, the group have continued to meet regularly at Tŷ Pawb, working on various creative projects.”
“The group’s trip across north Wales with Mohamed included a visit to photograph the Arenig mountain where Clyde Holmes lived and painted for over 30 years, meaning we’ve been able to dovetail the two exhibitions and provide a memorable and enjoyable experience for the group members; a superb example of the community-focused co-creation that is at the heart of Tŷ Pawb’s arts programme. I would encourage anyone visiting Wrexham over the next few weeks to come to the gallery and see these wonderful artworks up close.”
Clyde Holmes: Uplandscapes and Bom Dia Cymru open from 13th April until 22nd June.
A special public launch event for both exhibitions will take place on Friday 12th April, starting at 5.30pm – everyone is welcome.
Visit our exhibitions page for further details.
Dydd Miwsig Cymru – Enjoy a FREE celebration of Welsh music at Tŷ Pawb
We are delighted to announce that we’ll be hosting a special event in partnership with International Music Showcase Festival FOCUS Wales to mark Dydd Miwsig Cymru (Welsh Language Music Day) at Tŷ Pawb on Saturday 10th February.
Councillor Hugh Jones, Welsh Language Champion and Lead Member for Environment with
responsibility for Tŷ Pawb, Arts and Culture said: “This annual event is an opportunity for music
lovers across Wales to come together and celebrate the best of Welsh music in the heart of
Wrexham. The event is particularly significant this year in the run up to Wrexham hosting the
National Eisteddfod in 2025, which will be another opportunity for the entire County Borough to
celebrate vibrant and unique Welsh language and culture.”
The event is free to attend and will feature a diverse line-up of Welsh artists Worldcub, Hazmat,
Gillie, Eye and Siula.
Watch the big match before the music starts!
The live music will begin from 7pm, following the highly anticipated Six Nations Rugby match between Wales and England (kicking off at 4.45pm) being shown on the big screen in Tŷ Pawb’s Flexible Space.
There will also be live music in our food court during the day, and our food court, bar and market traders will be open throughout the day for refreshments and shopping.
Celebrating Wrexham’s grassroots music venues
FOCUS Wales Co-Founder Neal Thompson said: “We’re pleased to be working in partnership with Wrexham County Borough Council on the events at Tŷ Pawb and with the support of Welsh Government, to be able to present and highlight all of the activities taking place in some of Wrexham city centre’s invaluable, grassroots music venues for another Dydd Miwsig Cymru/welsh Language Music Day.
“Not only is it an opportunity to discover amazing music from across all genres in Wales’ and to highlight the important support for live music that the venues in Wrexham play, but also that Wrexham is hub for the Welsh language and a perfect place to find and enjoy cultural activities in Cymraeg.”
We would like to say a huge thank you to Welsh Government for supporting this event and Welsh music.
Although the event is free to attend, we do ask that attendees register for a free ticket so that we can safely manage numbers. As in previous years, the event is due to be well attended, so don’t hesitate to register for your tickets.
The event at Tŷ Pawb is part of a series of Dydd Miwsig Cymru events taking place across the City Centre, including at Magic Dragon Brewery Tap, Saith Seren and The Parish.
Gypsy Makers touring exhibition to launch at Tŷ Pawb
Tŷ Pawb will launch its first new exhibition of 2024 later this month.
Gypsy Makers is a new touring exhibition from The Romani Cultural & Arts Company that will feature work from artists they’ve commissioned since the inception of the Gypsy Maker initiative in 2014.
The Gypsy Makers touring exhibition will show new and existing artworks to mark the tenth anniversary of the Gypsy Maker programme which has been fully supported by the Arts Council of Wales.
Newly commissioned artwork to feature alongside existing work and artist-led workshops
Artworks from each of Gypsy Maker shows will be included in order to best represent the full range of voices and diverse practices that the Gypsy Maker programme has platformed to date. Existing artworks from the RCAC art collection, will be displayed alongside newly commissioned artworks made specially for the 2024 exhibition.
The exhibition tour will be accompanied by a programme of artist-led workshops that will expand upon themes within the show and further enlighten audiences regarding each artist’s practice.
Gypsy Makers will include works by the artists Daniel Baker, Rosamaria Kostic Cisneros, Artur Conka, Corrina Eastwood, Cas Holmes, Billy Kerry, Shamus McPhee and Dan Turner and is funded by the Arts Council of Wales.
The Gypsy Maker initiative supports the development of innovative creative works by Gypsy, Roma and Traveller artists. The Gypsy Makers exhibition in 2024 expands the work of the RCAC by continuing to engage GRT communities with the wider public in an ongoing dialogue about the ways in which art continues to inform our lives today.
‘A valuable contribution to international contemporary art’
The Romani Cultural and Arts Company (RCAC) was formed by its Director, Isaac Blake, in September 2009 as a registered charity. Working through the arts the RCAC raises funds to take community development and arts and educational projects onto Gypsy, Roma and Traveller (GRT) sites and into wider non-GRT communities across Wales.
Director of the Romani Cultural & Arts Company Isaac Blake said: “We are so proud to continue our ground-breaking work with GRT artists, with support from Arts Council Wales. This project will strengthen the role of Gypsies, Roma and Travellers on the arts scene in Wales, the UK and beyond.”
Dr Daniel Baker said: “The ground-breaking work of the RCAC in supporting Gypsy, Roma and Traveler artists is unparalleled. The Gypsy Maker project is unique worldwide in commissioning new bodies of work by GRT artists thus enabling the production of significant new knowledge from an underrepresented group and making a valuable contribution to international contemporary art and cultural discourse.”
Lead Member with responsibility for Tŷ Pawb, Clr Hugh Jones said: “We are delighted to once again be working with the Romani Cultural and Arts Company and we’re very proud to have Tŷ Pawb as the first venue on the Welsh tour of this hugely significant exhibition, marking 10 years of the Gypsy Maker project.
“The exhibition provides a valuable platform for showcasing works by artists from Gypsy, Roma & Traveller communities and promises to be an enlightening, educational and enjoyable experience for our audiences. We look forward to opening our gallery doors at the end of January for the launch event of our first new exhibition of 2024.”
Challenging preconceptions
There remain many negative pre-conceptions relating to Gypsy, Roma and Traveller communities. The Gypsy Maker programme has continued to challenge these pre-conceptions by significantly increasing knowledge and public awareness of the dynamic, long-standing (yet often hidden) heritage of artistic endeavour and creativity within Gypsy, Roma & Traveller communities.
As an organisation the RCAC remains excited about this project and its scope for adding value to the cultural and artistic landscape of Wales and beyond.
Plan your visit
Gypsy Makers will be on show at Tŷ Pawb from 20th January – 30th March 2024.
Gallery opening times 10am-4pm, Monday-Friday.
Please join us for the exhibition launch event on Friday 19th January, 5.30-7.30.
Gypsy Makers Exhibition Tour Schedule 2024
Tŷ Pawb Market Street, Wrexham, Wales, LL13 8BY FREE ADMISSION – Monday to Saturday 10am – 4pm Exhibition: 20th January 2024 – 30th March 2024. Exhibition Launch 19th January 2024 from 5.30pm to 7.30pm,
g39, Oxford St, Cardiff, CF24 3DT, FREE ADMISSION – Wednesday to Saturday 11am – 5pm Exhibition: 10th April 2024 – 25th May 2024
The Riverfront, Kingsway, Newport, NP20 1HG, FREE ADMISSION – Monday to Saturday 10am – 5pm Exhibition: 5th June 2024 – 27th June 2024
Image: Shamus McPhee, Geddie, Gouries and Ganis, 2015. oil on board. Photo and © Shamus McPhee
Wrexham’s Portuguese community photograph north Wales for new exhibition
A Portuguese community group from Wrexham have photographed some of north Wales’ most stunning scenery for a major upcoming exhibition at Tŷ Pawb.
Bom Dia Cymru (Portuguese for “good morning Wales”) is a group made up of Portuguese diaspora community members living in Wrexham. The group is part of the Comunidade de Lingua Portuguesa from Wrexham (CLPW), led by Iolanda Viegas.
On a recent day trip with some typically turbulent Welsh winter weather – dramatic cloud and rain with occasional moments of heavenly sunshine – the group visited several of north Wales’ most well loved and most photographed landscapes, including the summit of Horseshoe Pass near Llangollen, Llyn Tegid on the outskirts of Bala, and Llyn Celyn underneath the majestic Arenig Fawr mountain.
Helping the group with their photography skills on the trip was Mohamed Hasan, a renowned photographer with extensive experience of photographing Welsh landscapes.
Mohamed will be the focus of a new exhibition, opening at Tŷ Pawb this April.
The exhibition, also titled Bom Dia Cymru, will feature a selection of Mohamed’s works alongside a some of the best photos taken by the group on their trip.
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‘Breathtaking images’
Bom Dia member Raquel, said: “We enjoyed the trip very much, especially Llyn Celyn. Everyone was so helpful and kind. Everything went five stars! Thank you so much.”
Iolanda said: “We had the greatest feedback from the Bom Dia Cymru group who had a wonderful time visiting the beautiful north Wales! Learning photography skills with the talented photographer Mohammed Hassan lead us to taking breathtaking images of his trip! We are looking forward to invite all our friends and families and welcome everyone to come and see the Bom Dia Cymru exhibition!”
Lead Member with responsibility for Tŷ Pawb, Cllr Hugh Jones, said: “We in Wrexham are so very lucky to be on the doorstep of some truly breathtaking scenery; it’s no wonder more and more tourists are flocking here every year. This is the first time most of the group members had visited these areas in north Wales so it’s wonderful hear that they had such an enjoyable and memorable experience.
“We look forward to seeing the full exhibition with Mohamed Hasan in April. This forms part of an ambitious Tŷ Pawb arts programme for 2024, which has a significant emphasis on co-production with Wrexham’s diverse communities.”
Historic Wrexham “Treasures” on display at our Maker Space
Fascinating objects from Wrexham’s history have been shared by local people at a community based art project at Tŷ Pawb.
Developed by our current Maker Space resident, Rona Campbell, the Wrexham Treasures project invites local people to search for “hidden treasures”; objects and possessions with a personal story behind them, maybe something to do with family or home, that can be added to Wrexham’s history.
Rona has received a phenomenal response so far! All sorts of objects have been brought in so far, including photographs, shoes, vinyl records, and even an unopened bottle of locally brewed cordial!
Each object is accompanied with its owner’s story, explaining how they acquired the object and why it’s important to them.
Here are some highlights from the treasures shared with Rona so far….
‘Klondyke’
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Shared by Geraint Jones:
“The bell pit was sunk in 2926 during the National Strike in the village of Rhosllannerchrugog.
“It was given the name ‘Klondyke’ as the quality of the coal was so good. The pit was on land (Darn John Trevor ) between the Square and the now demolished Eagles public house.”
Back row left to right: Samuel Jones Tai Nant, Tom Edwards (Tomos Te or Twma), Joseph Williams (Joe Jesse), John Jones Tai Nant.
Front row left to right: Edward Griffiths, Emlyn Edwards (Chwerth), Tom Jones (Twm Ffyle).
A bottle of blackcurrant cordial
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Shared by Stephen Teggin:
“Years ago, border sold soft drinks all over north Wales with the Border logo and a red dragon on the bottle top. They were a local product, no longer produced.
“It’s one of the last drinks produced by Border Breweries in the early 1980’s, before they were taken over by Marstons. The soft drinks were produced where Border Retail Park is now.”
Two vinyl singles in a frame
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Shared by Basi Platt:
“Vinyl records are an art form of their own. I was brought up with vinyl records. I used to have a beautiful, big walnut cabinet record player. This took pride of place in my bedroom. I could stack my 45rpm records and hear them drop on to the table effortlessly. These times were happy and I have very fond memories of them.
“Now vinyl has made a big comeback and is very sought after. I feel very lucky to have had them in my life, as they are a treasure to myself and many people. I am sure the Wrexham Treasures project has stirred many memories for me, therefore vinyl records are very apt.
“I attended the North Wales School of Art and Design, as it was known in the 70’s, now Wrexham University, so Wrexham is very close to my heart.”
Rhian Speed – Champion of the World
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This is a Wrexham Treasure, worn by Wrecsam-born Welsh international darts player, Rhian Speed. She went on to win the World Darts Federation World Master in 1990.
Sadly we lost Rhian this year, making this treasure all the more precious to us and her family.
Treasure shared in by Rhian’s sisters.
Plas Kynaston Iron Foundry
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We’re hugely grateful to the Plas Kynaston Canal Group for sharing an impressive selection of images featuring bridges and structures constructed using iron cast at Plas Kynaston Iron Foundry in Cefn Mawr, near Wrexham.
The Plas Kynaston Iron Foundry was built by William Hazeldine at the beginning of the 19th century to be able to produce the Iron Work for the Pontcysyllte Aqueduct, as commissioned by Thomas Telford.
Other well known structures featured in the images include the Menai Suspension Bridge, the Waterloo Bridge (Betws y Coed), and the Craigellachie Bridge (on the River Spey in Scotland).
Visit the Plas Kynaston Canal Group website for the fascinating full story of the foundry – it’s well worth a read!
How you can get involved
The Maker Space is now closed for Christmas. It will reopen in January. The space is usually open on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays.
Everyone is more than welcome to come and meet Rona and view the treasures on display.
“Yay us!” – Wrexham children attend grand premiere of their very own movie
Local youngsters have attended a grand premiere of Play – The Movie!, a film they helped to produce, star in and direct in over the summer holidays.
The premiere took place at the the Odeon cinema at Eagles Meadow Shopping Centre in Wrexham city centre.
A “green carpet” and press/photography area was laid out at the entrance to the screening room to add some Hollywood glitz and glamour to the occasion.
Play – The Movie! was created at a special exhibition of the same name, held at Tŷ Pawb over the summer holidays. The gallery was transformed into a film set where thousands of children worked alongside artists, playworkers, and filmmakers to explore play in Wrexham.
PLAY – The Movie! is the vision of artist Rachael Clerke, commissioned by Tŷ Pawb with input from playworker Penny Wilson of Assemble Play.
The children worked alongside artists Ella Jones, Harold Offeh, Noemi Santos, Sarah Ryder, Jamila Walker and Rhi Moxon, local playworkers and 73 Degrees Films to collaboratively create an epic film that explores play in Wrexham.
The finished film features all the best moments from 8 weeks of footage. As you might expect with children in charge, there were plenty of wild and wonderful moments, including the search for Pigeon man, space adventures and a zombie attack – obviously!
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‘Play is children’s culture’
Rachael Clerke said: “It’s been such an honour to work so closely with the wild, hilarious, inventive children of Wrexham on Play – The Movie. They made the gallery their own over the summer and the film reflects this beautifully.
“I’m so grateful to the team at Tŷ Pawb, all the commissioned artists, the amazing play workers we collaborated with and 73 Degrees Films for bringing it all together. Play is children’s culture, and it feels more important than ever to hold space for this. I can’t think of a better place to do that than Wrexham.”
Lead Member with responsibility for Tŷ Pawb, Cllr Hugh Jones said: “What a wonderful occasion this has been, for local children to be able to watch a film they helped to create, up on the big screen where they usually watch all their favourite movies.
“Exploring the benefits of play and creativity in children is something Wrexham has become renowned for. The project to create this film showcases this perfectly, with artists, playworkers, and creatives coming together at Tŷ Pawb to create something that perfectly captures the inspiring energy and imagination of the local children who took part. Congrautlations to the the team who have worked so hard to produce the exhibition over the last year.”
Play – The Movie! will be available to watch, in full, on our YouTube channel very soon. Join our mailing list to get updates straight to your inbox
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