Celebrating Welshness at Swansea College of Art’s Annual St David’s Day Lecture and Awards.

20 March 2024

A day of celebrating Welshness was held recently at Swansea College of Art, which is part of the University of Wales Trinity Saint David, with a special annual lecture and awards ceremony.

A group shot of winners and participants at the St Davids Day Awards and Lecture

Artist, photographer and designer Martin Crampin from the University of Wales Centre for Advanced Welsh and Celtic Studies was welcomed to Swansea to deliver the keynote lecture discussing his research in church art, visual culture of the Middle Ages and the Celtic Revival in Wales.

He has published volumes about stained glass work and has worked on many other projects as a designer and photographer. His artistic practice primarily includes abstract works which visually connect the past with the present, drawing on patterns and images found in medieval decorative arts. Martin said:

“I was delighted to get the chance to meet with Swansea College of Art students and staff, and to hear about the importance of the Welsh language at the College. I’m currently working on the history of the stained glass course at the College, and am looking forward to developing new research activities that connect our work in the Centre with colleagues in Swansea.”

Swansea College of Art is very proud of its Welsh heritage and the University was very keen to celebrate the achievements of its art and design students – many of whom study through the medium of Welsh – during an annual event in the name of the patron saint of Wales.

One of the organisers was Gwenllian Beynon, Welsh Co-ordinator at Swansea College of Art, who strongly believes that St David’s Day offers an excellent opportunity for University students and staff to celebrate the Welsh language and Welsh heritage in an arts context.

“Celebrating the Welsh language with the St David’s Day lecture and awards here at Swansea College of Art is a very exciting event and it’s wonderful to be able to award students and staff for their engagement with Welsh in their studies and work. Martin Crampin’s lecture was very educational, and I was amazed to learn how many stained glass windows feature Saint David.”

An image of Martin Cramping and Gwenllian Beynon next to a pop up advertising the St Davids Day lecture and awards event

The Art and Design awards are now an important part of the St David’s Day celebrations at the University and are a great opportunity to celebrate the achievements of those who study or teach within the College of Art, demonstrating their commitment to the Welsh language or Welsh culture through their artwork.

Caryl Bulman, a Student on the MA Surface Pattern course, was one of this year’s winners. She said:

“It’s a privilege for me to be bilingual, with the ability to communicate, work and socialise in Welsh. I have enjoyed being a student who can speak Welsh at the university as I have achieved a lot with this skill. We see that this opens many doors to new opportunities, and we should be thankful for every opportunity offered to us. It is extremely important to keep the language alive.”

Graphic Design student Jessica Pritchard added:

“Using the Welsh language as a graphic designer is a powerful and creative way of keeping the language alive! Growing up signing, reading, and taking part in different Welsh traditions has helped shape who I am. And it is who I am that shapes my work.”

For Daniel Lewis, a Fine Art student:

“The use of the Welsh language and culture in my artwork has allowed me to feel more of a connection with my own heritage, and in a way, has created a more personal relationship with my own work. The integration of Welshness in my work has sparked conversations with both Welsh and non-Welsh speakers to discuss and learn about the Welsh experience.”

In addition, lecturers and programme directors were awarded for their support and encouragement of students studying through the medium of Welsh. Illustration and Graphic Design lecturer Catrin Bradley said:

“I very much appreciate the opportunities to work with lecturers and students in Welsh medium activities here at Swansea College of Art. Having the opportunity to develop and enhance my use of the language and promote our culture and Welsh community is very important to me.”

Katherine Clewett, a lecturer from the Foundation Course, was rewarded because half of the students on the course were either working through the medium of Welsh or studying work about Welsh culture. She said:

“Students studying on the Foundation Art and Design course at Swansea College of Art are delighted with the opportunity to engage and work with Welsh culture as part of their practice and studies.”

Music Technology lecturer David Bird added:

“Exploring the Welsh language at the university is important as it fosters cultural connections and strengthens identity. Mastery of the Welsh language provides employment advantages for students, especially in Wales where there is a demand for bilingual skills. For my Creative Music Technology students, fluency opens many avenues for employment, especially in media, entertainment, and education, which can enrich their career prospects.”

Caroline Thraves, Academic Director of Swansea College of Art, Trinity Saint David said:

“We were delighted to welcome Martin Crampin to deliver our annual St David’s Day lecture and to present our awards. Martin’s lecture on the depiction of Saint David through stained glass in Wales was fascinating, he has such exceptional information. This was made even more special by Martin presenting this through the medium of Welsh after learning the language as an adult. Our awards celebrated staff and students that have shown an exceptional commitment to bilingualism; we are very proud of them all.”