The project began in the summer of 1998 when local societies, groups and individuals decided that one of Llandovery's greatest heroes should have a fitting monument to honour his memory and the cause he died for 600 years ago.A Memorial Committee was formed which soon gathered support from all sections of the community. Antur Cwm Taf/Tywi acted as the management body and successfully secured enough additional funding from the Arts Council of Wales to finance the statue.An exhibition of the five short listed submissionswas held during the spring of 2000 and the public were asked to express their preferences. The winning design - by a large margin - was that created by the brothers Toby and Gideon Petersen of St. Clears.Their 16ft stainless steel sculpture stands on a 17 tonne stone brought from the hills to the north of the town. We believe that the memorial encapsulates the spirit that has sustained the Welsh Nation to this day and which has enabled the Welsh people, their culture and language to survive despite the many threats to their existence over the last two millennia.From the outset the aims of the Memorial Committee have been to celebrate the universal virtues of courage and loyalty and to create:1. A fitting memorial to mark an important historical event.
2. A piece of high quality, innovative public art work.
3. A major tourist attraction for Llandovery and the surrounding area.
Over two thousand people attended the colourful, comprehensive unveiling ceremony on October 6th 2001.This was a community project of which we can all be proud. The magnificent statue has already become associated with Blaenau Tywi; not just as a symbol of its past but also a beacon for its future.
The Memorial Committee wishes to thank Antur Cwm Taf/Tywi, the Arts Council of Wales, Carmarthenshire County Council and all the individuals and organisations who supported us. Rhobert Ap Steffan
MORE:The story of Llywelyn Ap Gruffydd Fychan
your comments
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Lyn James Jenkins [Mr]
Yes, I have seen the statue and I think it is a fantastic, evocative artwork. The fact it is made of stainless steel means it will not weather and decay. It glistens superbly in the sun, especially after rain! It is really impressive and the fact that it has no face allows the imagination of the viewer to place his/her own idea of the face to the statue of a relatively little known Welsh hero.
Positioned where it is in the middle of Llandovery, below the castle and high above the car park, is perfect. It gives it an aura of defiance, encapsulating the age-old spirit of Wales....
Mon Jun 15 15:20:42 2009
Haydyn of Caereiddin
My wife,children and I visited Llandovery with my parents in 2003. My Mum insisted we visit the Castell to see the statue, and I have to say it is one of the most beautiful, poignant and emotive things I have ever seen. I recommend anybody who is in the area to visit it, as it is truly a stunning monument to a great soul.
Thu Jan 3 11:36:50 2008
Geoff Bryant
I came across the statue by chance and what a tremendous sight it was glistening in the winter sunshine. I'm amazed that such a patriotic emblem has not been brought to the attention of the people of Wales. The Peterson brothers have created a masterpiece of evocative historical art.
Thu Feb 1 08:49:20 2007
Plentyn o Sir Gaer
Yes, my family and I have seen this magnificent sculpture. It's worth a trip from any part of the world. Congratulations to the artists that created it. It's truly awsome!
Although I'm a child of Carmarthenshire, I've been living in the Middle East for the best part of the last 28 years. We come home every year though. And in the summer of 2005 decided to go visit Llandovery and Rander Mwyn, where we hadn't been for quite a few years. We had a very pleasant surprise to see this amazing piece of art.
While we were there on the site of the old Castle ruin, near the statue, we met an American gentleman. We got chatting a while, and you'd never guess who this was. He was no less a photographer from National Geographic who was touring our Celtic Nations to do an article on The Celtic Realm (March 2006 issue). Please visit this site, the article brought a very familiar knowing smile to my face. Remenising about our culture and passions. I hope it wasn't us blabbering too long that made them have a ticket !! Go out and buy the March issue which is out now, it's well worth it.
Gwynfor Evans should have a statue in Llangadog by the way. Do you remember when he was going to starve to the death until we got our Welsh TV channel? There should also be a statue in Carmarthen to honour all the other men and women who have contributed and faught for our cause.
Fri Feb 24 06:12:54 2006
Gwyn John Pontarddulais
I have not seen the statue but will make a point of seeing it on my next visit to Llandovery. There are many more unsung heroes in Welsh history who's statues should be gracing Welsh cities, towns and villages.
Thu Nov 24 13:50:35 2005
Chris Thomas Blaengwrach, Neath
Yes, we've seen the statue at Llandovery, its brill, very patriotic to any Welsh person. Perhaps it could with a bit more exposure. Well done though. We need to see more imaginative ideas like this one portraying our heritage.
Thu Nov 24 10:08:15 2005
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