We're looking for a craftsperson/s to create the Crown for Eisteddfod y Garreg Las, 2026
The concept
We invite craftsperson to express an interest in designing and creating the National Eisteddfod Crown. The crown will be presented to the winner of one of the Eisteddfod's most prestigious poetic competition, which will be held in Llantood, near Eglwyswrw between 1 – 8 August 2026.
The Crown is sponsored by the family of Rev. WJ Gruffydd (Elerydd) and Mrs. Jane Gruffydd in their memory, and in appreciation of the loyalty and generosity of the Eisteddfod local congregation during their ministry in the area. The family will be responsible for contracting for the successful candidate in due course.
Design criteria
The following MUST be included in the design:
- /|\ The Secret Note (Nod Cyfrin). It should be placed in a prominent and dignified place
The official name of the Eisteddfod which is:
Eisteddfod Genedlaethol y Garreg Las 2026
Note: No other words are allowed to be inscribed on the Crown
• The Crown should be completed by 1 April 2026
/|\ Y Nod Cyfrin
The Secret Sign /|\ or the Sign of the Light Ray is a symbol invented by Iolo Morganwg to represent Love, Justice and the Truth. However, Iolo himself made little use of the symbol, and it did not become popular until after his death. It was first seen on the Proclamation Scroll in Cardiff, 1833: by 1850, it could be seen on throne banners and from around 1860 ON members' certificates. By the end of the century, it was considered the approved symbol of Gorsedd y Beirdd, and appeared on its programmes, the new flag and sometimes even on the Gorsedd Stones. By the 1950s, it was decided that the symbol must be included on each of the Eisteddfod Chairs and Crowns' design. (www.eisteddfod.cymru)
Note to prospective candidates (from the family)
The former Archdruid Elerydd, Reverend WJ and Mrs Jane Gruffydd ministered with the Baptist denomination in north Pembrokeshire for over a quarter of a century. It is not surprising that they stayed so long because WJ would often mention how the people and landscape of the Preseli area were very similar to the people and landscape of his birthplace in the Ffair Rhos and Pontrhydfendigaid area in north Ceredigion.
The legacy of the land and its people was the inspiration for Elerydd's winning poems, which brought him the Eisteddfod Crowns at Pwllheli (1955) and Cardiff (1960) Eisteddfod respectively.
Furthermore, the river Teifi originates in Llyn Teifi above Fair Rhos and terminates in Cardigan not far from the Eisteddfod Maes. Yet the 'blue stone' of the Preselau is as durable and uncompromising as the lead mines of his childhood.
A poet, novelist and writer, but despite his eisteddfod achievements, he will surely be remembered as the 'father' of the two lovable characters Tomos and Marged who were immortalised on the pages of local papers, the Cardigan & Tivy-side Advertiser and the Cambrian News.
Budget and project timetable
- The budget for the design and creation of the Crown is up to £3,000 (+ VAT if VAT registered) to be paid in three instalments on receipt of a detailed budget and invoice:
- Stage 1 – Vision and draft plan and approval by all stakeholder – First payment of 33%;
- 2nd Payment of 33% at the end of December 2025;
- Stage 3 – Completion of the Crown: final payment once completed and approved by the School and the Eisteddfod. An official photo of the crown must be arranged soon after 1 April 2026.
Schedule
- Applications must be submitted before 17:00 on Monday 12 May 2025;
- Interviews for the shortlisted candidates will be held w/c 26 May 2025;
- Provide and present the initial vision/concept and draft plan ready for the interview
- The winning candidate will be informed soon after the interview;
- The winning design will need to be approved by the family and Gorsedd Board;
- The Crown will need to be completed by 1 April 2026;
- Please note that the successful candidate will be required to keep a digital record of the creation to assist with promotion and marketing throughout the creation process. The Eisteddfod communication team will liaise with the media;
- Official Presentation of the Crown: The crown will be presented to the Eisteddfod Executive Committee in a special press launch night during mid-June 2026 (the successful candidate will be required to attend);
- The Crowning Ceremony is on Monday 3 August 2026
- Once completed, the successful candidate should provide various standard photos of the Crown to be included in the official Eisteddfod programme.
How to apply
Submit your application to Wyn Gruffydd wyngru@yahoo.co.uk before 17:00 on Monday 12 May 2025
Remember to include the following:
- Your name and contact details.
- Biography, including examples (e.g. sketches, photographs) of previous work.
- Propose a vision/concept (no more than 500 words) with initial concept and designs. Images must be included to complement the draft plan, information regarding the materials used (the environmental mindset), inspiration and so on.
- Estimated of project budget including breakdown of the prospective costs (£3k).
- Contact details of two previous clients who can provide a reference.
Shortlisted candidates will be invited to make a 30-minute presentation on Zoom and participate in a short discussion with a panel. The panel which will consist of the family, local stakeholders together with either the National Eisteddfod’s Artistic Director and/or Competitions Manager.
Please contact wyngru@yahoo.co.uk or steffan@eisteddfod.cymru if you have any further questions.