The story of the design and creation of the Farmers' Union of Wales-sponsored bardic crown for this year's National Eisteddfod in Denbighshire is being captured on film.
The Arts Council of Wales has funded the film by professional artist film maker Chris Oakley and it will be shown during the Eisteddfod at Denbigh (August 2-10) and later at Ruthin Craft Centre, Oriel Wrecsam and Glyndwr University.
FUW's Denbighshire and Flintshire branches commissioned Flintshire artist and silversmith Andrew Coomber to design and manufacture the crown which is inspired by the colour and imagery of the agricultural Vale of Clwyd and Moel Famau and reflects the lyrical qualities of the landscape in harmony with modern technology and materials.
With the agreement of the Eisteddfod and the FUW, the project was run as an externally-funded educational project with four final-year applied art degree students from Glyndwr University, Wrexham, forming a support team for the artist.
FUW Denbighshire county president Eryl Hughes said: "Members in Denbighshire and Flintshire are delighted that the union is providing the crown for this year's National Eisteddfod.
"It is most appropriate for the FUW to be so closely involved with the National Eisteddfod because the union's main aim is to protect and advance the interests of those who derive an income from Welsh agriculture.
"The crown's design clearly shows how farming survives in balance with nature, allowing food to be produced in a sustainable way while also enabling nature to flourish and society to benefit more widely from a range of other services provided by the natural environment."
Academic leader for creative industries, media and performance Stuart Cunningham said: "We are delighted that Andrew has chosen Glyndwr University students to work with him on such a prestigious project.
"The university is always keen to provide students with the opportunity to work on live projects and this is another example of that.
"Andrew is a hugely experienced craftsman and I’m sure that the knowledge and experience which he has passed on to the students will be of tremendous benefit to them."
Describing the crown's design, Mr Coomber said: "The upper part reflects the colour and qualities of the Clwydian Hills and Moel Famau below which are the sinuous linear qualities of lane, road, fence etc contrasted with the panels of field colours at different times of the season in the rural valley.
"The method of construction employs four anodised and dyed aluminium panels each overlaid with hand forged sterling silver frames.
"These are linked together with gate/stile like structures which are engineered with nylon bearers to expand so that the crown can be easily adjusted to any head size.
"There are approximately 150 individual parts assembled using small scale nuts and bolts reinforcing the representation of engineering in the landscape. At the centre of the top of the crown is a crystal glass interpretation of the Jubilee Tower on Moel Famau.
"The crystal ‘walls’ are enamelled with the word ‘bardd’ repeated in a stone wall pattern. The pleated and formed skull cap is made of hand coloured velvet reflecting the August hue of heather on the Clwydian hills."
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Andrew Coomber with the FUW-sponsored crown.[/caption]
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CROWN PRESENTATION: FUW’s Denbighshire county president Eryl Hughes and Flintshire county president Clwyd Spencer (centre) present the crown to Denbigh Eisteddfod committee chairman John Glyn Jones (right).[/caption]