Aur/Gold: Exhibition showcases enduring work of Eisteddfod winners

Nation Cymru staff

To mark the 850th anniversary since the National Eisteddfod was first held, a significant exhibition of current work by over 30 former winners of the Eisteddfod Fine Art and Craft Gold Medal is taking place at one of Wales’ leading galleries.

This summer, three leading cultural organisations – Oriel Canfas, Cardigan, in conjunction with the National Eisteddfod and the Cymru Craft Festival – present Aur/Gold, an exhibition celebrating the creativity, making and cultural heritage of Wales in the heart of Cardigan.

Aur/Gold launched on the opening day of the Eisteddfod in Oriel Canfas, and celebrates former Gold Medal winners in Y Lle Celf, bringing together some of the most acclaimed contemporary makers and artists in Wales.

The exhibition coincides with the National Eisteddfod at Llantwd outside Cardigan, and will continue until the end of the Welsh Craft Festival weekend at Cardigan Castle in mid-September.

Aur was curated by artist Suzi Park and Craft Festival Director Sarah James, and showcases first class Welsh artists and makers, shedding light on Y Lle Celf’s special legacy and the importance of Welsh art and craft.

The exhibition is also part of the celebrations marking 850 years since the first Eisteddfod on record, held at Cardigan Castle in 1176 by Lord Rhys. This is therefore a very significant cultural moment for the town and for Wales.

James Horan, Director of Oriel Canfas, said: “These artists are the best among the work that Wales produces – they are recognised at the highest level, but rarely have the opportunity to appear together.

“Succeeding in including Gold Medal winners over several decades in one exhibition is a unique achievement, and we would not have managed to do this on our own.

“This collaboration with the Welsh Craft Festival and the National Eisteddfod has created something that is much bigger than any of us – and achieving this here, in Cardigan, is something that is bigger than an exhibition.

“It feels like a real welcome back event.”

“The list of names of the artists taking part in Aur represents the best in the world of craft and fine art, during this year’s Eisteddfod and celebrating the 850th anniversary of the first Eisteddfod in Cardigan Castle – it is a very special moment.”

The Gold Medals in Fine Art and in Craft and Design have a long history in the world of Visual Arts in Wales, and a win is one of the most covetable accolades for Welsh artists.

Lowri Davies, Y Lle Celf Coordinator shared: “The awards give us the opportunity, as a nation, to celebrate and be proud of our artists, in the same way we celebrate our writers and poets.

“As the Co-ordinator of Y Lle Celf, and a former winner of the craft award, I am very aware of this honour, and I am proud of this celebration of the former winners of the two medals at Oriel Canfas.

“I would like to extend a special thank you to James Horan and David Clarke from Oriel Canfas Cardigan and to Sarah James from the Craft Festival for all their support, and a heartfelt thank you also to James and David from Canfas for their generous donation, namely the Gold Medal for Fine Art at this year’s Y Garreg Las Eisteddfod.”

Betsan Moses, Chief Executive, National Eisteddfod of Wales welcomed the exhibition, saying: “Gwyl Grefft Cymru exemplifies the values ​​of collaboration, creativity and community.

“Its partnership with the National Eisteddfod reflects our shared commitment to nurturing Welsh culture, supporting makers and ensuring that the arts remain accessible and relevant to everyone.”

The Garreg Las National Eisteddfod runs until 8 August, and the Welsh Craft Festival takes place on 11–13 September.

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