This Wednesday, as Wales celebrates Dydd Santes Dwynwen, shoppers in Cardiff will be in for a treat as hundreds of love notes offering exclusive Morgan Quarter discounts, will be handed out around the city.
Marking the age-old Welsh celebration of St Dwynwen – which is celebrated in much the same way as Valentine’s Day, as cards, gifts and messages of love are exchanged on 25 January in celebration of St Dwynwen – the promotion hopes to spread the love and help people to treat themselves.
Designed by students and recent graduates from both Cardiff University and Cardiff Metropolitan University, the idea for the ‘love notes’ was inspired by Vera Williams, a Bangor University student who, in the 1960s, helped revive St Dwynwen’s popularity.
Working with local artist Elis Gwyn Jones, students at Pwllheli Grammar School, and Gwasg y Moresg press, she led a campaign to print a series of four cards to celebrate the saint across Wales.
The three local illustrators – Chauncé Lewis, Sian Hopkins and Shafia Motaleb – hope that their designs, depicting St. Dwynwen and love in the arcades, will inspire people to remember and celebrate the saint.
Illustrator Siân Hopkins, whose work celebrates LGBTQ+ and women’s rights, explained:
“My main Inspiration came from my own Welsh heritage and the many powerful Welsh women in my life. I also wanted to reflect some of my favourite places in the Morgan Quarter and the amazing environment it provides for the LGBTQ+ community. The Welsh heritage is a beautiful thing and to be able to represent it through my art is an honour.”
Shafia Motaleb, who won best illustrator for the Cardiff Student Media Awards 2021 & 2022, added:
“The artwork that I created for this project is inspired by the sacrifices of St. Dwynwen, the Welsh patron saint of lovers, who is celebrated as a romantic and heart-warming tale of love and devotion.
“Presented through a contemporary illustrative lens, my art aims to reframe the celebration through a more playful and idyllic view. It attempts to convey a sense of joy and love which I believe is reflective of this celebration.”
Chauncé Lewis, whose work is inspired by silhouettes, fairytales and Welsh folklore, explained:
“My designs are inspired from motifs in the Morgan Quarter and symbols used on love spoons to communicate different aspects of relationships. I think it’s very important to keep traditions alive as a part of our heritage and for this to be shared and celebrated through art.”
Originally built in 1896, as an extension to the David Morgan department store, The Morgan Quarter – comprising of the Royal and Morgan Arcades – is now home to over 80 independent cafes, bars, and shops.
From historic favourites – including the world’s oldest record shop, Spillers – to new additions, like Unit 17, Eat the Bird, and Overseas Apparel, everyone’s invited to explore the Morgan Quarter magic this St. Dwynwen’s Day!
Kelsey Tahirkheli, from the Morgan Quarter, added:
“It has been wonderful to work with such passionate and talented artists to bring such an important Welsh celebration to the Morgan Quarter!
“The independent stores within the Morgan Quarter have been thrilled to play their part in bringing this initiative to life – and they’re really looking forward to welcoming customers, old and new, this St. Dwynwen’s Day!”
