A huge mural featuring the history and heritage of Rhondda Cynon Taf has been created and will be on display at Pentref Rhondda Cynon Taf (the Rhondda Cynon Taf Village) at this year’s National Eisteddfod in Ynysangharad War Memorial Park, Pontypridd. And there’s an opportunity for Eisteddfod attendees to get involved in bringing this mural to life by colouring it in over the course of the event.
The 15ft x 5ft mural has been created by Sion Tomos Owen, a Treorchy based artist, author and TV and Radio presenter. The mural features the beautiful scenery of Rhondda Cynon Taf and lots of historical figures, famous landmarks and tourist attractions.
Sion Tomos Owen said:
In 2018 I was commissioned by Love Treorchy to design an illustration of Treorchy and the upper Rhondda which became a permanent fixture along the back wall of The Lion pub on the High Street. Recently I was commissioned to create my biggest mural yet, on three storeys on the side of Yr Hen Lyfrgell in Porth depicting the History and Heritage of the Rhondda. So when Rhondda Cynon Taf council asked me to combine these ideas into one 15 ft x 5 ft designed mural of the history and culture of the whole of Rhondda Cynon Taf, I jumped at the chance.
After some research and some wandering sketches around the county, my main challenge was not what to put on the mural but how to fit all of our amazing cultural legacies, historical figures, famous landmarks and beautiful landscape into one design. I can safely say this has become one of the more detailed murals I’ve made as I’ve tried to get as much as I can into it. From James and Evan James writing our national anthem after hearing the melody in the sound of the river in Trehafod, to William Price’s Roundhouses above Treforest where he wanted to revive our Welsh druidic traditions, from the ancient Gorsedd stones and rocking stone in Pontypridd to the Iron age horde found at Llyn Fawr on the Rhigos. From Groggs to Lidos, sports teams to choirs, the Taff Trail to the Glamorgan Canal, Working Men’s clubs and theatres. The mural could have been twice as big and I still would have struggled to fit everything that makes up the rich tapestry of Rhondda Cynon Taf but hopefully everyone who visits the National Eisteddfod will be able to help find the colour in the mural and bring it to life throughout this wonderful week of celebrating Cymraeg in August 2024.
The mural will be on display at Pentref Rhondda Cynon Taf (the Rhondda Cynon Taf Village), which will be based in and around Canolfan Calon Taf, near the bandstand. In addition to the mural, there will be lots of activities going on in this area during the Eisteddfod including history and heritage talks, meet the maker sessions with local breweries, performances from local schools, choirs and bands on the bandstand and so much more. Visitors to the Eisteddfod will also be able to pick up a brochure from here with information on things to do locally, places to explore and discount codes to use during the Eisteddfod for many Rhondda Cynon Taf based attractions.
Councillor Mark Norris, Cabinet Member for Prosperity and Development, said:
Pentref Rhondda Cynon Taf will be a real showcase for our County Borough during Eisteddfod week! For visitors to Rhondda Cynon Taf, there will be information on our beautiful country parks and unique tourist attractions such as Gravity Family Bike Park in Dare Valley Country Park and Rhondda Heritage Park Museum in Trehafod. Digital screens will display images of everything that Rhonda Cynon Taf has to offer for visitors with links to more information, and there’ll be talks and displays. There’ll be lots on offer to encourage visitors to make the most of their stay in Rhondda Cynon Taf during the Eisteddfod and to hopefully entice them to return time and time again.
