Commissions
We’ve been fortunate over the years to be trusted with all sorts of unique commissions, even crafting a few crowns for various Eisteddfod near and far which is a real thrill. We love these bigger, out-of-our-comfort-zone projects because it meant collaborating with different organisations and bringing their visions and themes to life in a really special way.
All our items are made of recycled gold and silver helping us make a positive difference and help the environment. Each piece is crafted in our workshop near Newcastle Emlyn, West Wales, UK.
Coronau Eisteddfod 2025
Recently, we had the honor of designing and creating a crown for the 2025 Intercollegiate Eisteddfod, which will be held in Aberystwyth. Students come from all corners of Wales to compete in the eisteddfod and represent their university in a variety of competitions!
The brief was simple – ‘The Sea,’ which is very relevant as the eisteddfod will take place at the university ‘By the Sea.’ Perhaps the greatest honour for me was designing a crown that represents the town where I was born.
The design of the crown is simple, incorporating various techniques, from fine enamel work to riveting and engraving. The brass, which is the powerful center point of the crown, represents the sun. As you know, the sun sets over the sea in Aberystwyth, leading us to the arches on either side, representing the waves.
The arches are an effective way to represent the waves that align with the theme of the sea, but there are also six silver arches to represent the six peaks in the Cambrian Mountains – Pumlumon Fawr, Pumlumon Fach, Pumlumon Llygaid-bychan, Pumlumon Cwmbiga, Pumlumon Arwystli, and finally, Y Garn. The six mountains surround the area where I grew up.
O Bumlumon, llif y dŵr yn arian
I Aberystwyth, y môr sy’n ddiddan.’
Translates to "From Pumlumon, the flow of water is silver, To Aberystwyth, the sea is delightful."
The silver lead mining industry was important in the area during the last century, so it was relevant to use the silver colour to represent the water flowing ‘silver’ uniting with the Rheidol and even the Ystwyth rivers below before joining the sea in Aberystwyth.
I have truly enjoyed creating the crown. It has challenged me to try new techniques, to be ambitious in my work, and has this given me great pleasure. Many thanks to the Aberystwyth Welsh Students' Union for the challenge and the opportunity.
Coron Eisteddfod CFfI Ceredigion 2023
Elin Calan Jones, Chair of the Young Farmers' movement in Ceredigion at the time, contacted me requesting a crown for the Eisteddfod. It is an annual event and one of the highlights of the movement's calendar.
The crown is awarded to the winning writer for composing a story or a piece of literature based on the set theme.
The brief for me for this crown was an autumnal wreath. With Elin being very talented at arranging flowers and the timing of the Eisteddfod taking place during autumn, the theme seemed very fitting in my opinion, as she, as chair, was the one presenting the crown as a gift to the Eisteddfod.
Using a variety of techniques to create leaves and berries out of brass and copper, the completed crown was presented to the winning member.