Alex Ioannou, Newid/Changing Eryri, 18th August 2024
Alex Ioannou’s Newid/Changing Eryri exhibition concluded with a spectacular closing afternoon on the 18th of August in Pontio Bangor. Public engagement with the exhibition has been fantastic and its grand finale was no different, with not a spare seat in the house! Attendees were treated to a programme of guest speakers and performers who provided thought provoking presentations on the perception of Eryri’s landscape, and on the highly subjective concept of change. In a world where climate action is imperative, while the need to preserve and enhance the wellbeing of Eryri’s communities is of equal importance, Alex’s presentation highlighted that one must look not only to the future, but must also interrogate its turbulent past.
Dr Shaun Evans, director of ISWE spoke to the recurring themes explored in Alex’s research and their critical importance to the study of Welsh Estates, in particular in readdressing the loss of focus on the role landed estates played in the shaping of our industrial landscapes in Wales, be it the slate quarries of Eryri or the vast coal mines in the south. A common trend is the lack of voice of the inhabitants of those landscapes in the discourse that shapes them. Elen Simpson of Bangor Archives followed up this point by stressing the importance of a historically informed community, residents that know and understand their landscapes are better placed to discuss its future. Archives are at the epicentre of this endeavour.
Dr Dafydd Gwyn presented a history of Lord Pennant and the Penrhyn estate’s investments in transforming the landscape of Dyffryn Ogwen, Alex’s doctoral case study, during the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries. The colossal harnessing of Wales’ natural resources went beyond the imposing shadow of Ogwen’s slate quarries, going into the creation of sea ports, extensive railway and road building, and the birth of villages and communities that still home to many to this day. Dr Gwyn stressed the importance of the landed estates as a driving force in the industrial revolution, and Eryri’s past and current industrial scars are undoubtedly one of the landscape’s defining factors.
After the academic talks and the exploration of Dyffryn Ogwen’s history attendees were treated to a performance by Meleri Davies, chief executive of Partineriaeth Ogwen and Welsh language poet. Her words resonated with many of the themes explored throughout the expedition, of man’s transient impact on the landscape, shaping its wonders for the generation to follow.
“Mae hanes i’r dwr fan hyn,
yn symud mynyddoedd a cherfio dyffrynnoedd
ble bu rhewlifoedd a chwarelwyr yn crafu eu henwau i’r graig
eu oliion yn aros, er I’r dwr fynd dan y bont”
Meleri Davies ‘Ynni Ogwen’
Following Meleri’s poetic and lyrical recitals Welsh folk singer Gwilym Bowen Rhys explored the recurring themes of culture, industry, landscape and ‘hiraeth’ in his songs. Musical interludes gave a chance for Gwilym to share his cultural knowledge, recounting many of Ogwen’s myths and legends, insightful personal histories and fascinating interpretations of the landscape, in what was a truly inspiring performance.
All in all, Newid/Changing Eryri has proved to be a fantastic success, an interactive, engaging exhibition which has sparked discussions outside the academic sphere on community perception, interpretation and vision for Eyri’s landscape. The talks and performances on the closing day further catalysed discussions with Eryri’s communities on their vision for a climate responsive landscape which serves not only its physical wonders but the wonderful people who inhabit it.
(Authored by Sean Martin)