The Village of Llanybri near Carmarthen

The Embroidered Panels

LLANYBRI MILLENNIUM EMBROIDERY PROJECT 2000
"WORK AND WORSHIP"

The original idea to create a "tapestry" depicting events in Llanybri district over the last two millennia, came originally from discussions held by "The Ladies Circle", a group of local ladies who meet on a regular basis.
It was decided to ask local Textile and Watercolour Artist Aurelia Reynolds to design the project, using reference to local history. Aurelia designed 12 panels to cover aspects of life in Llanybri, and decided that it would be more interesting and aesthetically pleasing to work on dyed grounds of linen with embroidery threads and techniques. It would enable the ladies who undertook to embroider the panels a greater chance for individual freedom of interpretation, and to explore and learn more about embroidered work.
The panels were first designed in watercolours, and then transferred to linen grounds using dyes and fabric paints.
The selection of ideas to be interpreted necessitated looking at elements of local history and events concerning the way of life in Rural Wales. The theme of "Work and Worship" allowed a broad interpretation of a philosophy of life as well as events and places.

This poem by Aurelia Reynolds nicely sums up the event from start to finish:

On the eve of the year 2000, plans were all on the line
to embark on a project so fine.
Research had been done into Llanybri time
12 panels were painted from Aurelia’s design.
The volunteer Ladies from Llanybri ward
were gearing themselves to sew for hours
and not get bored

There was Betty, “champing at the bit”
immersed in Angels, Lilies and Glit-----
Faye who swore she was no good
and would just make the tea----
ended up working on the gravestones and ribbons with excellent glee!
Not to mention Home and Hearth with Betty’s cats and coal with bucket shine
and Faye’s attempt at Knickers on the washing line!

Then Gillian, with patience, giving her best, and saying OK!
embroidered the Font, Baby, Bride and Bouquet!
Joyce is now known as “The Knot”
for working incessantly in white thread and dot
to complete the May tree in all its glory
with flowers and bunnies, and Church in the story!

“Auntie Nona” will never forget the Daffs and Primroses
for despite her fears about threading the needle
she produced the most exquisite trim posies!
Alison with her usual great skills
(which probably came from living in ancient mills!)
tackled the Horse, the Workers and Harvest
and left the Hills
to Dorothy, who crept along the hedges and trees -
like a person possessed by the “Pentrewyn Breeze”!

Then, Judy, with experience and talent and dash,
took on two panels, and completed in a flash!
The Panels in question – “The TITLE” and “FERRY”
were ably abetted by “Dinah the Merry”!
Who also insisted her ignorant knowledge
but worked like a Ding Bat on marshes and forage!

Aileen tackled endless grasses and forest patches
on “The Map”, with true skill and colour matches.
Pat, who will always be on “our team”,
completed river, gold sign, and stream.
Daphne with unerring skills and competent stitch
completed “Farm Animals” and forest ditch!
Together with Pauleen (who its said)
has always “Horses” in her head!

Marilyn, The Celtic Cross, and school with snowy Victorian gloss….
worked with Brenda, whose marshes and silver fish
looked good enough for any dish!
Lynda tackled Dogs and Steward on The Medieval Feast supreme,
while Marilyn “M” worked wonders on floors and walls with stoney sheen.
Aurelia with gold thread so fine completed the golden gleam!

We must give thanks to Kusha Petts for her constant care and artists’ gaze
giving us her constant praise,
And Eiluned with historical knowledge
of our villages’ wonderful heritage

Last but not least, Joyce P,
who with camera and much glee,
recorded our efforts for all to see!
and, Margaret who with cunning eye
has framed the works for “Eternitye!”

Aurelia Reynolds December 2000

Credit must be given during the project to those people who encouraged,helped, photographed and framed, and researched history. Namely Kusha Petts, Eiluned Rees, Joyce Preece and Margaret Liversedge.

The project was funded by The Arts Council of Wales, Millennium Lottery Fund. It is our intention to publish a calendar for 2002 and also postcards of the panels.

It is hoped that the embroideries will have a permanent home in the new Community Hall which will be based at the former Church School Hall when renovated.