Egg-static for Cardiff Peregrines David Thorpe, 22 April 2009 Peregrines on the Clocktower 2009 is up and running! The birds are back and were observed mating around City Hall in late March. It was on the opening day of the project (4th April) that volunteer Peter Elkington noticed that the birds had chosen a nest site for 2009-the same spot as last year! For those of you new to PoCT, the eyrie (nest) is located in an old raven's nest on the north-facing side of City Hall Clock Tower, just above the clock face. Since early April, the birds have barely left the nest unattended, which suggests that they are incubating eggs. Unfortunately, due to the height of the tower, we can't see in to count them. It will be another 2 weeks before we see the chicks appear and the mystery is revealed! At the moment, the adult birds are taking turns incubating the eggs. If you are lucky you may see a change over at the nest site. Occasionally, one of the birds will return to the tower with prey and give us a gory treat as they devour their hard earned meal. We estimate that hatching will occur in the first week of May (last year the first egg hatched on 1st May) and then the real fun will start! Rearing hungry chicks is demanding and both mum and dad will have to work really hard to keep the food coming. Until then, however, it's a waiting game...
St Teilo's Church - the book Mari Gordon, 20 April 2009 No blogs for a while now - but mostly because we've been working full tilt on the book (also because I've been off for a week...).So, it's now at the printers, and there's nothing - well, hardly anything - more we can do now. If all is well the books will be in Cardiff this Friday, and we'll all be at St Fagans launching it on Sunday. If the weather is anywhere as good as it has been this last week or so then it'll be a truly lovely afternoon.As exciting as it is to look forward to seeing the actual book (no matter how many proofs, dummies etc you've seen - the real thing always looks different!) this bit always makes me a bit nervous too. After it arrives, and I spot the inevitable typo that got away, or something I wish we'd changed when we had the chance, or... and after the launch event, I'll be able to reflect on what a pleasure it was to work on and how lovely everybody was to work with. It's a real privilege to have been able to learn so much about the whole project - one of the very best bits of my job is being able to get involved with such a variety of different projects that might otherwise have passed me by. But with this one in particular, I think, the depth of people's knowledge and skills, and their committment, is inspiring. Anyway, look out for it, available in all good bookshops - soon!
The De la Beche archive at Amgueddfa Cymru Tom Sharpe, 20 April 2009 Sir Henry Thomas De la Beche (1796-1855) The first geological map of Jamaica Duria Antiquior - A more Ancient Dorset. A watercolour painted in 1830 by Henry De la Beche. This was the first portrayal of a fossil environment in its entirety, showing the interactions of the various elements of the fossil fauna and flora, in particular the large marine reptiles of the early Jurassic Period. De la Beche and his daughters in Swansea, 1853 The Department of Geology at Amgueddfa Cymru houses one of the most important geological archives in the world. It contains over 2,000 items - letters, diaries, journals, sketches and photographs - of one of the leading geologists of the early 19th century, Sir Henry Thomas De la Beche (1796-1855). During the first half of the 19th century De la Beche played an important role in the new science of geology. In addition to his own scientific contributions, he established geology as a profession and founded several of Britain's major geological institutions, including the British Geological Survey the Museum of Practical Geology (later the Geological Museum and now part of the Natural History Museum in London) the School of Mines (now part of Imperial College London) and the Mining Record Office (now part of the Coal Authority). De la Beche was born in London and brought up in Devon and in Lyme Regis in Dorset, where he developed an interest in geology through his friendship with a local fossil collector, Mary Anning (1799-1847). Jamaica His family wealth came from slavery, and a sugar plantation in Jamaica, and in 1823-4 he spent 12 months on the estate. He toured the island, examining its rock outcrops. On his return to England he published the first description of the geology of Jamaica and its first geological map. De la Beche is regarded as the 'Father of Jamaican geology'. De la Beche began mapping the rocks of Devon in the early 1830s. However unrest in Jamaica, related to the abolition of slavery and the collapse of the sugar market, left him in financial difficulties and unable to continue his work. He wrote to the Board of Ordnance offering to complete the geological mapping of Devon for the Government for £300. His application was successful and he was appointed Geologist to the Ordnance Trigonometrical Survey. Founding the British Geological Survey Once the Devon work was completed, he successfully applied to continue with the geological mapping of Cornwall, and in 1835 the Ordnance Geological Survey was established. From this grew today's British Geological Survey. When most geologists were clerics or interested amateurs of private means, De la Beche was one of the first professionals. In 1837, De la Beche moved his Geological Survey to Swansea, recognising the economic importance of the Welsh coalfield. He soon became involved in the local scientific scene as a member of the Swansea Philosophical and Literary Institution and a friend of the Swansea naturalist Lewis Weston Dillwyn. De la Beche was accompanied by his 18-year-old daughter Elizabeth (Bessie). She soon got to know one of Dillwyn's sons, Lewis Llewelyn Dillwyn , and they married in August 1838. It is from their descendants that the Museum acquired the bulk of the De la Beche archive in the 1930s. Spectacular fossils discovered The papers contain a wealth of information about the developing science of geology in the first half of the 19th century. The names of the geological timescale (Cambrian, Ordovician and so on) that we now take so much for granted were being proposed and argued over, new and spectacular fossils were being discovered and evidence of the Ice Age was being recognised for the first time. De la Beche himself worked on the first descriptions of the large fossil marine reptiles, the ichthyosaurs and the plesiosaurs, and there is much in the papers on the formation of the Geological Survey and the other organizations he established. Darwin writes to De la Beche De la Beche corresponded with the leading geologists of the day and, with his experience of Jamaica, was often called on for advice relating to that island. One letter of 1842 in the collection quizzes him about the colours of horses, cattle and other animals bred for a number of generations on the island, and how they had changed. The author was Charles Darwin, at that time formulating his theory of evolution. De la Beche was a skilled draughtsman and this is evident in the archive, for in addition to faithful landscape views, fossil illustrations and geological cross-sections, he sketched many caricatures and cartoons. Through these he would comment on developments in the science, or on his activities and those of his contemporaries. The archive is an important resource for the history of geology and is frequently consulted by researchers from Britain and abroad - to arrange a visit, please contact us . Editor's note: this article was amended on 28/06/17 to remove a reference to de la Beche being a "fair slave-owner".
The Quilt Collection 17 April 2009 The collection of quilting and patchwork at Amgueddfa Cymru contains examples of bedcovers from the eighteenth to the twentieth centuries, together with smaller items such as cushion covers, linings from christening baskets, eighteenth-century petticoats and a christening gown worn by Peter Morgan of Golden Grove in 1722. The quilt collection at the Museum dates back to the 1930s. Although a few examples of quilts had been donated to the Museum in 1914, no systematic collecting had been undertaken prior to the establishment of the Department of Folk Culture and Industries in 1932. The collection is available to view by appointment. If you would like further information, please contact the curator using our Email Form. Scroll down through our collection of quilts which are listed in the following categories: Commemorative quilts Patchwork and appliqué quilt made by Mary Lloyd of Cardigan in 1840. A marriage quilt made by Mary Miles of Berthlwyd Farm, Quakers Yard, in 1886. Detail of a wholecloth marriage quilt made by Mary Miles of Berthlwyd Farm, Quakers Yard, in 1886. A sateen quilt decorated with printed signatures. It was sent to the Welsh War Relief Committee in 1942 from Edmonton, Canada. Detail of a sateen quilt decorated with printed signatures. It was sent to the Welsh War Relief Committee in 1942 from Edmonton, Canada. Detail of a marriage quilt made in Maesteg in the 1920s. A wholecloth wedding quilt made in Maesteg in the 1920s. A quilt made from a range of printed cottons. The central panel contains a portrait of Caroline of Brunswick, consort of King George IV. Made in Brecon in about 1820. An unlined patchwork bedcover. Made by the Richards family of Darowen, possibly to commemorate the building of their new parish church in 1863. Detail of a wholecloth quilt from Abergwawr made to commemorate Queen Victoria's Golden Jubilee in 1887. A wholecloth quilt from Abergwawr made to commemorate Queen Victoria's Golden Jubilee in 1887. Hexagonal patchwork A patchwork table cover used at Llwyn Onn Hall, Wrexham. Made from cotton dress fabrics and chintzes which date from about 1780-1820. A cotton patchwork bedcover made by a dairy-maid at Llanharan House, near Llanharan, in 1886. A bedcover of predominantly red and lilac cotton prints. Made mid-to-late 19th century by Esther David of Llanfabon. A 19th century patchwork bedcover from Cardiff. Mostly made from cotton chintzes. A bedcover of hexagonal cotton prints arranged in cables. Given as a wedding present in 1874 to A. C. Humphreys-Owen of Glansevern House, Welshpool. Detail of an unlined patchwork bedcover. Made in Llantrisant in 1886. An unlined patchwork bedcover made in 1886 in Llantrisant. A 19th century patchwork quilt from Wick. Made from a range of printed cottons. A quilt of red and white hexagons arranged in diagonal bands. Made by Elizabeth Edwards of Cardiff in 1870. Patchwork: Work in progress Detail of a 19th-century patchwork bedcover from Cardiff. Mostly made from cotton chintzes. An unfinished late 19th century patchwork bedcover from Port Talbot. Made from plain and printed cotton hexagons. The paper templates remain in parts. Detail of an unfinished late 19th century patchwork bedcover from Port Talbot. Made from plain and printed cotton hexagons. The paper templates remain in parts. An unfinished late 19th century patchwork from Cardiff. The 'log cabin' pattern has been achieved by dividing strips of cotton into light and dark shades. An unfinished late 19th century crazy patchwork of satin, velvet and ribbed silk. Oversewn with feather stitches and French knots. Made in Maentwrog. The reverse of an unfinished patchwork. The paper templates and tacking remain in position. Made in Mountain Ash in 1880. An unfinished patchwork of hexagonal printed cottons. The paper templates and tacking remain in position. Made in 1880 in Mountain Ash. An unfinished early 19th century patchwork from Dinas Powys. Made from printed cotton pieces arranged around an oval central panel. Prize-winning quilts A programme containing details of events and exhibitions held at St Fagans in conjunction with the Festival of Britain in 1951. A programme containing details of events and exhibitions held at St Fagans in conjunction with the Festival of Britain in 1951. A quilted bonnet made by Jane Davies of Pontardawe for the 1951 quilting competition held at St Fagans. A prize-winning poplin quilt made by Jessie Edwards, a quilting teacher from Merthyr. Exhibited at the Fagans during the 1951 Festival of Britain. Detail of a poplin quilt made by Jessie Edwards of Merthyr. The quilt won first prize at the 1951 quilting exhibition held at St Fagans. Quilts for children A silk cot quilt made by Miss Mabel Owen of Aberdare. It won first prize at the Royal Welsh Show held in Aberystwyth in 1933. A cot quilt made in 1987 at St Fagans National Museum of History by Katy Lewis of Caerphilly. Peach coloured cotton with polyester filling. A red and white patchwork cot quilt. Made and used in Carmarthen in 1914. A patchwork cot quilt from St David's, Pembrokeshire. A patchwork cot cover used in about 1850 by the infant William Hely Llewelyn of Cwrt Colman, Bridgend A cot quilt made from printed cotton and chintz squares. Made in 1856 for William Hely Llewelyn of Cwrt Colman, Bridgend, as a seven year old child. A cot cover of plain and ribbed silk patchwork arranged in the 'falling blocks' design. Made and used in St Asaph in 1870. Quilts: Earning a living Village quilters from Solva posing with a frame in 1928. Central motif of a wholecloth quilt made in 1933 by a group of quilters from Porth, Rhondda. A cream cotton poplin quilt with carded wool filling. Made in 1933 by a group of quilters from Porth, Rhondda. A notebook filled with notes, pencil drawn patterns and payments for quilting. Complied by Irene Morgan (nee Davies) of Abderdare in the 1920s-30s. A notebook filled with notes, pencil drawn patterns and payments for quilting. Complied by Irene Morgan (nee Davies) of Abderdare in the 1920s-30s. A notebook filled with notes, pencil drawn patterns and payments for quilting. Complied by Irene Morgan (nee Davies) of Abderdare in the 1920s-30s. A reversible wholecloth quilt of pink and green cotton with a flounced edge. Made by Phoebe Walters, a professional quilter from Bancyfelin, in about 1906. Detail of a wholecloth quilt of pink and green cotton. Made by Phoebe Walters, a professional quilter from Bancyfelin, in about 1906. Quilts: Make do and mend A 19th century geometric patchwork quilt made from off-cuts of flannel from Ogof Woollen Mill, Drefach-Felindre. Probably made by the weaver Benjamin Jones, or a member of his family. A quilt made by the Borth based artist Becky Knight in 2006. Constructed from recycled Guinness cans, machine stitched to form the traditional 'drunkards path' design. Detail of a quilt made from recycled Guinness cans. Designed and made by Becky Knight of Borth in 2006. A 19th century patchwork quilt made from off-cuts of flannel from Ogof Woollen Mill, Drefach-Felindre. Probably made by the weaver Benjamin Jones, or a member of his family. An early 20th century bedcover. Made in Blaenau Ffestiniog from scraps of tweed and worsted suits worn by quarrymen. A patchwork quilt made from a range of printed cottons. Made by an unknown quilter from Rhydlafar in about 1850. A mid 20th century quilt from Cardiff. Made from rouched up silk ties. Lined with larger pieces of silk, possibly suit lining. A reversible late 19th century quilt from Llangamarch. Made from two recycled woven and printed paisley shawls. A patchwork quilt made from multicoloured printed cotton squares. The filling is probably an older quilt. Made by Esther David of Llanfabon. Mid to late 19th century. A bedcover made by James Williams, a tailor from Wrexham, between 1842-52. Made from 4,525 pieces of woollen cloth, mainly off-cuts from military uniforms.
Muddy knees, bumblebees and anemones! Gareth Bonello, 9 April 2009 Wood Anemones at St Fagans After a prolonged and cold winter I am sure that many of you are as relieved as I am that spring is finally here! Although it is now the start of April, the early signs of spring have been with us for a while. This March was the driest in Wales since 2002 and almost everywhere in the UK had higher than average levels of sunshine. This resulted in an explosion of colour as the woods have blossomed with flowers such as lesser celandines, wood anemones and primroses. Bumblebees too have woken up from their winter sleep and emerged from burrows below ground to begin collecting pollen and nectar to feed the colony.Throughout March we ran activities at St Fagans encouraging you to get involved in bee conservation. Over 400 visitors planted native British wildflowers to attract bees and butterflies and I am happy to report that they are doing very well! If you want to know more about bee conservation why not visit the Save Our Bees website? A Song Thrush sits on her nest safely hidden in a Holly bush A quick trip down to the local park or wood will tell you that the birds are in full swing at the moment. Our songbirds are all pairing up and nesting at this time of year. Most have struggled through the harsh British winter but not all. Chiffchaff arrive on our shores in early March from Southern Europe and North Africa. Their distinctive two-note 'chiff-chaff' call can be heard echoing around woodlands, parks and gardens as males compete for females and territory. Next time you're out and about why not see if you can hear one or why not come along to our Dawn Chorus Walk on May the 3rd? A bright carpet of Wood Anemones on the forest floor We have plenty of activities coming up this spring, with Compost Awareness Week taking centre stage in early May and signs of spring during the May half term. Visit the events page for more details. In the meantime feel free to let me know what spring wonders you've seen recently in the comments box below - any bluebells yet?
