Cardiff based Goldmsith awarded honour of designing and creating the crown for the 2024 National Eisteddfod

Neil Rayment Goldsmiths has been awarded the honour of designing and creating the crown for the 2024 National Eisteddfod of Wales.

The National Eisteddfod of Wales is one of Europe’s largest and most celebrated cultural festivals, with over 160,00 visitors annually.

Cardiff based Goldmsith awarded honour of designing and creating the crown for the 2024 National Eisteddfod

This year, the festival will be hosted by Rhondda Cynon Taf County Borough council will take place in Pontypridd from August 3-10.

Neil Rayment Goldsmiths based in Bute Street, Cardiff is a distinguished jewellery atelier specializing in bespoke and artisanal creations. With a rich legacy of craftsmanship, Neil Rayment Goldsmiths is dedicated to producing exceptional pieces reflecting artistry and meaning.

Neil on the Bench

They are award-winning designers/makers with decades of experience specializing in creating bespoke fine jewellery, and they are very proud to be able to share their knowledge to reflect the high standard of the Welsh Poetry competition.

It was essential to them that the design would reflect the rich history and culture of Rhondda Cynon Taf. During their research, they found that the Welsh National Anthem, ‘Mae Hen Wlad Fy Nhadau,’ was composed in 1856 by father and son James James and Evan James in Pontypridd.

It was essential to them that the design would reflect the rich history and culture of Rhondda Cynon Taf

Inspired by the sound waves of the anthem, they formed a repeating 3D pattern, which created the skeletal structure of the crown. This “represents the strength of how music unites people.”

They also included the iconic Pontypridd Bridge, which used to be the longest single-span stone arch bridge in the world.

To enrich the design, they visited Ysgol Garth Olwg, the crown sponsor, this year, where they held a workshop for the year 10 design and technology students, demonstrating their design and creation process. The children then had the opportunity to create their version of the crown with their own interpretation by using paper to model. “We extend our heartfelt appreciation for the school’s support throughout the process.”

The final Reveal of the crown was televised and announced on the June 13 in Llantrisant Hall and will be showcased in Pontypridd Library until the first week of August.

“We are honoured to contribute to an almost 850-year tradition of the Eisteddfod and to be able to showcase our craftsmanship on such a prestigious platform.”