Tai a mynyddoedd is the culmination of three years research into how heritage can contribute to identity: Welsh heritage, Welsh clothing, Wales’ relationship with England and how class and gendered roles have contributed to the country’s patriotism, yet, English controlled identity. Thus, reflecting on how ancestry, birthplace and heritage contributes to selfhood; why one desires to showcase, or hide, the culture and geography of one’s belonging.

Created in collaboration with Adwaith and Gillie.

Adwaith: 

Heledd Owen
Gwenllian Anthony
Hollie Singer

All photography by Lily Ashrowan
 

The outcome of this research was a short experimental film, shot on location in Wales, with Adwaith wearing costumes I have made.
This was screened at Goldsmiths Cinema, May 2024, with a talk and Q&A session.

You can watch the film below.

The musician Gillie wears a dress Inspired from Welsh woven fabrics, digital knit pieces weave around the body which contain imagery from Welsh landscapes and Welsh handwriting. 

Adwaith’s Heledd Owen wears a crossover jumpsuit that takes its form from the various methods of shawl wrapping Welsh women practiced as part of their traditional dress. One half is formed from over dyed strips of cotton pyjamas sewn together conveying a longing ‘to be home.’ The other is formed from a digital knit comprised of Welsh landscape imagery and Welsh handwriting.

Hollie, the lead singer from Adwaith wears a custom ensemble. This digitally knitted dragon bra details illustrations of the Welsh flag. Complete with Welsh love spoon sleeves and dragon tail gloves. Hollie’s skirt is formed from a digital knit comprised of Welsh landscape imagery and Welsh handwriting.

Adwaith’s Gwen wears a digitally knitted ensemble that takes its form from moss textures found within Welsh landscapes. The bra is formed from over dyed strips of cotton pyjamas sewn together conveying a longing ‘to be home.’ The silhouette is influenced by the traditional Welsh bedgown and various shawl wrapping methods women practiced as part of their traditional Welsh dress.