Dyfan Lewis is the winner of the Eisteddfod AmGen Crown.
The poet, who is originally from Craig-cefn-parc, but now living in Cardiff, came out top in a competition which attracted 19 entries.
The Crown, designed and created by the Eisteddfod’s craftsperson, Tony Thomas, is presented for a collection of poems, not in cynghanedd, of up to 200 lines on the subject of Ar wahân (separate or apart) The adjudicators were Aled Lewis Evans, Elan Grug Muse and Elinor Wyn Reynolds.
Judge, Elan Grug Muse said, “This is a complete collection, with the standard consistent over a dozen poems, which manage to deviate from the expected and worn paths, to new and sometimes unexpected directions.
Elinor Wyn Reynolds praised the winning work in her written adjudication, saying, “This is a series of intelligent and strong poems; his use of words and expressions is economical. They have a definite unity, and create a multi-layered and mature colection of poems that deserve to be read many times.”
Aled Lewis Evans delivered this evening’s adjudication, and discussing Mop’s collection in the Cyfansoddiadau a Beirniadaethau, he said, “I liked this poet’s subtlety: emotion held tightly and harnessed effectively. We see the ability to crystallise the virtue and promise and mystery of Cardiff from time to time, but also to capture the new wave of confidence. The poet grasps us with the concepts and narrative in this sequence. It's a straightforward and clever expression, without trying to be flowery.
“Although we all had our personal favourites individually, the three of us had placed Cysgod, Crwydryn, and Mop in the top class. Following an appreciative discussion about the whole competition, we came to the agreed view that Mop wins the Eisteddfod Crown this year.
Dyfan Lewis was raised in Craig-cefn-parc. He went to Ysgol Gynradd Felindre and Ysgol Gyfun Gymraeg Bryntawe before studying Welsh at Cardiff University.
He started sharing his creative work in 2018, with a pamphlet of poems and photographs named Golau. During that year, he also won the short story and the essay prize at the National Eisteddfod in Cardiff. Mawr, another pamphlet of poems was released in 2019, and last year he published a book of travel essays, Amser Mynd after receiving a bursary from Literature Wales. He publishes his work through his own press - Gwasg Pelydr. Gwasg Pelydr now curates creiriau.cymru, an online cultural labyrinth that welcomes submissions from all types of artists.
He thanks Efa, his parents Angharad and Emyr, and Owain and Esyllt for their constant support.
The Crown was created at the National Eisteddfod’s workshop in Llanybydder by craftsperson, Tony Thomas. Mahogany is the main timber in the Crown, with elements made from Welsh oak. Created by hand, the project has been metiulous and intricate. The cap was created by Carole Leigh, and Nicky Williams worked with Tony on the project.
With Tony responsible for both the Chair and the Crown this year, there’s a clear link between the two prizes. The inspiration came from the Gorsedd Stones, and this is clear in both designs. The Stones also represent a hand, embracing the winner, as he or she is honoured by the Archdruid, with the concept of safeguarding our traditions and culture rooted deep in the concept.
With the traditional Maes Eisteddfod postponed again this year, organisers, the Gorsedd and the broadcasters have been working together to create ceremonies which are both dignified and safe. Chriostine James, Gorsedd Recorder, said, “Naturally, the circumstances this year have forced us to make a number of changes: a small audience, a limited number of Gorseddogion, and some things have had to be done in a slightly different way - with the ceremonies held in the evenings, and on different days.
“But there are many familiar elements too: the Archdruid procession, the Gorsedd Prayer and the Corn Gwlad. And the dignity and splendor is just the same, as is the thrill of revealing whether anyone has reached the judges’ high standards this year!”
The winning poems will be published on the Eisteddfod website following the ceremony and the Cyfansoddiadau a Beirniadaethau, which includes the full adjudication for this competition and the winners of all the other composition winners at this year’s Eisteddfod will be published Saturday morning, 7 August.