Yr Ysgrwn (English)

To make all of Yr Ysgwrn’s visitors feel welcome:

All public buildings at Yr Ysgwrn are accessible by wheelchair and pushchairs. Wherever there are steps into a building, an accessible path or lift is also available.

Two toilets that are accessible to all.

Exhibitions include a combination of visual and audio interpretation.

Three accessible parking spaces.

One of three footpaths on site is accessible to all.

Please get in touch if you have any particular needs. The team at Yr Ysgwrn will always do their best to make everyone feel welcome.

Phone: 01766 772 508

Email: yr.ysgwrn@eryri.llyw.cymru

An inherent part of the culture and tradition of Welsh-language poetry

The tradition of Welsh bardic chairs and the ‘Chairing of Bards’ is believed to date back as far as 1176. It is the most significant ceremony to take place at the National Eisteddfod and the most notable competition in Welsh-language poetry culture.

DESCRIBING: A vertical color photograph of a heavily carved wooden chair.

SYNOPSIS: Picture a single-seat chair centered in frame. Start at the very top edge: a shallow triangle. Move down to a tall rectangle—the backboard—dominated by a cross at center inside a circle. Continue down to the seat, then the front rail with a hanging, shield-shaped ornament, and finally the four square legs on a platform.

IN-DEPTH DESCRIPTION: Top edge and backboard: the crest is a narrow triangle pointing up, like a low roof. Immediately below, a border of small dots runs horizontally. The backboard, a tall rectangle, is rimmed by a chevron pattern. At its center, a raised cross reaches almost to the rim. Where the arms of the cross meet, a ring encloses four smooth, round knobs spaced like a plus sign. Each quadrant around the cross is filled with tight, braided knots. Arms and seat: thick, rectangular arms run straight from the back to the front posts. Each front post ends in a round cap. Inside the right arm, a flat, dark panel hangs downward. The seat is a plain, flat rectangle that extends to the arm posts. Front rail and legs: beneath the seat, the front rail carries three round spirals in a row, with carved scrolls between them. A central, shield-like piece hangs below. The legs are blocky and square, linked by rails near the floor that are also carved. The entire chair sits on a low wooden platform; a small white label lies at the front edge.

DESCRIBING: A vertical color photograph.

SYNOPSIS: Begin at the very top and move down. A carved inscription crowns an arched, high back between two rounded finials. Mid-back, a dragon in relief sits above the words “PONTARDAWE 1915.” Continue down past a curved lower rail, blocky arms, a flat polished seat and a front apron of repeating ovals.

IN-DEPTH DESCRIPTION: Top row: An arching crest rail with all-capital Welsh letters; one rounded finial at each corner. Second row: A rectangular, framed panel with a raised dragon seen from the side, its wing up and tail curled, standing on a diagonal ridge. A twisted-rope pattern borders the panel on both sides. Center band: The number “1915” and the word “PONTARDAWE” carved in large capitals below the dragon. Lower back: A shallow U-shaped rail with one centered diamond. Arms: Straight, thick armrests end in square blocks; beneath each, a post carved with stacked ovals like scales. Seat: Smooth, reflective wood. Front apron: Three linked ovals in relief, each with a round knop at the center. Base: Squared, sturdy legs. Background: A plain, cream wall; light from the left produces soft shadows that define the carvings. Readable text in frame: “PONTARDAWE 1915.” Additional Welsh inscriptions are present but not fully legible here.