Dyffryn Nantle, Gwynedd
Surrounded by mountains and shaped by generations of slate quarrying, Dyffryn Nantlle has a strong Welsh speaking community and a deep connection to its landscape and heritage.
Wales REACH worked with Adra and Yr Orsaf in Penygroes to explore the histories and stories that matter to local people. Through storytelling, family history, visits and creative workshops, people explored their connections to the valley.
Working with local artists, they created sculpture, textiles and visual art inspired by the people, traditions and natural landscape of Dyffryn Nantlle.
“Beautiful! Such connection and love came through the exhibition, and especially in celebration of us all as we get older and are still, and more so, encouraged to create.”
Explore Gwynedd Exhibits
GwyneddWalking in their Footsteps
8 paper mache boots made of local newspapers, inspired by a historical pair of local Quarryman’s boots
GwyneddOur Cynefin in Art
Paintings and illustrations made by pupils at Ysgol Bro Lleu representing ‘our cynefin in art’ – their connection to their local area
GwyneddNature’s Remedies
Linoprints inspired by the botanical illustrations of the Llysieulfur Teuluaidd (Family Herbal) of Jones Llanllyni (1862)
GwyneddThe Quarrymen
Double-exposure portraits of slate quarry workers from Dyffryn Nantlle, taken by primary school pupils
GwyneddWoven Together
5 pieces of willow work, each one a collaboration between different people from the community. Inspired by heritage crafts and sheep markings