Woven Histories of Welsh Wool and Slavery

I went on an adventure with Emily to Llangihanngel-y-Pennany near Porthmadog. First we went to see The Brynkir woolen mill to draw it, until a mean lady made us leave. Then Emily chatted to a man who said there was a lady at the cafe who was knowledgable about the valley. On the way we explored the slate slab mill Pandy (where I have been with my family over the years since I was young). I took picture of all the nature objects and creatures and beautiful green trees. Then we went to Cathy’s cafe for a cup of tea and the sheep were being sheared. On our way home at the parish church we came across farmers with wool in big bags, they said it was being taken by the British Wool Board.

10th July 2022. Emily and I went to Dolgellau to learn more about the Welsh Wool and Slavery project. We went to the Darllenfa Rhydd where we met a the Aran Group and Charlotte Harmond, who indroduced the brief to us last month at Coleg Menai. There was a lady named Anghardad, who had a lot of baskets full of wool and carders, brushes for stretching the wool. While everybody else was chating I drew a view through the window. We all went to get lunch, except for me because I had already eaten it on the journey, we sat on the steps by the bus stop. WE returned to the building and help carry tables upstairs for childrens workshops. After Emily and I went for an explore to find the remains of buildings and places connected with the historic wool industry.

Brynkir Woolen Mill, Golan

Fulling Channel Brynkir Woolen Mill, Golan.

Melin y Pandy Slate Mill Cwm Ystarllyn

Afon Melin y Pandy.

On the 18th July I went to a felt making workshop at Yr Orsaf in Penygroes and Nicole was teaching us. I was feeling nervous because I done felting before, but it was eight years ago. First I brushed pieces of wool with two carding brushes, then I selected bits of wool and yarn and laid them out on some bubble rap. I Nicole gave me a piece of green fabric to cover the wool with and with my hands I covered it in soapy water. After it was wet I rollled it up in the bubble-rap and a tea cloth and rolled it back and forth with my hands,