Press Releases

On display: traditional spooncarving in Wales

Gwyndaf Breese launches his new book at St Fagans: National History Museum

Welsh craftsman Gwyndaf Breese will be at St Fagans: National History Museum - Wales’s most visited tourist attraction - on Saturday 19 August 2006, signing copies of his new book ‘Traditional Spooncarving in Wales,’ and displaying his craft.

Visitors to St Fagans this Saturday will be able to learn more about how the domestic spoon developed into one of Wales’ most recognised emblems, the lovespoon. Mr Breese, who previously worked at St Fagans, will be demonstrating the simple carvings of the original wooden spoon, more elaborate designs of the lovespoon and answering questions on the history of spooncarving.

John Williams-Davies, Director of Museum Operations said:

“We are delighted to welcome back Gwyndaf Breese, a specialist in the practices of traditional woodcarvers and woodturners to St Fagans to launch ‘Traditional Spooncarving in Wales.’ The book provides a good opportunity to exhibit one of Wales’s most innate crafts, and fits well with our collections here at the National History Museum.”

‘Traditional Spooncarving in Wales,’ published by Gwasg Carreg Gwalch, is part of the Welsh Crafts Series. The book is available to purchase at the shop at St Fagans as well as other good book stores across the country.

Amgueddfa Cymru – National Museum Wales operates seven national museums across Wales. These are National Museum Cardiff, St Fagans: National History Museum, National Roman Legion Museum, Caerleon, Big Pit: National Coal Museum, Blaenafon, National Wool Museum, Dre-fach Felindre, National Slate Museum, Llanberis and the National Waterfront Museum, Swansea.

Thanks to the Welsh Assembly Government, visitors can enjoy FREE ENTRY to the museum, which is open from 10 am and 5 pm daily.