Contemporary jeweller chosen as 2018 Eisteddfod Crown designer

A jeweller from Neath has been chosen as the designer who will create the Crown for next year’s National Eisteddfod in Cardiff.

Laura Thomas, 34, said she wanted her design to be contemporary and unique yet respectful of the Eisteddfod’s traditions.

Designing and creating the Crown – which is sponsored by Cardiff University in 2018 - will fulfil a long-standing ambition for the jewellery designer.

Laura said: “I have always wanted to design and make a Crown and I’m really excited...”

“I go to the Eisteddfod every year and once played the recorder in the orchestra at the Eisteddfod when I was at primary school!”

The Crown is a major National Eisteddfod honour and is presented to the winner of one of the two major poetry competitions.

Laura was chosen ahead of several high-quality designers following a competition led by Cardiff University.

She will now finalise her design before starting work ahead of the National Eisteddfod in Cardiff in 2018.

Parquetry

Laura, who studied jewellery design at Central Saint Martins in London, works for Mari Thomas Jewellery in Llandeilo, Carmarthenshire, and also creates her own jewellery and collections.

Her jewellery work involves parquetry where she inlays wood veneer into sterling silver, a technique that will feature in the Crown.

“We’re finalising the design at the moment. I’ve seen a lot of Crown photos and I haven’t seen one with this technique applied before,” she said.

Professor Hywel Thomas, Cardiff University Pro Vice-Chancellor, Research, Innovation and Engagement, said: “As a proud Welsh university, we’re delighted to be able to play a prominent role by sponsoring the Crown...”