Traditional Welsh Costume

Post cards, school eisteddfods, rugby games, and folk dancing – here are a few examples of where you are likely to see the Welsh National Costume today. But what is the costume’s origins – and how much truth lies behind its development as an unofficial icon for Wales?

The exhibition ‘The Welsh National Costume’ will explain the origin of the costume and why it is worn. The exhibition has been created by Michael Freeman, curator of Ceredigion Museum, Aberystwyth. He has taken a great interest in the costume for many years and has read over 40,000 words used to describe the costume from the 18th and 19th century as part of his research.

One of the most distinctive parts of the costume worn by women in Wales at the end of the 18th century was the bedgown or betgwn – a low-cut jacket with a tail similar to that worn by many women in much of Europe. But for some reason it survived longer in Wales than elsewhere. The Welsh bedgown was also distinctive in that it was usually made of striped flannel whereas in England it was often made of plain cotton (or cotton mix). Recent research has identified regional variations in Wales for the bedgown and Welsh hat.

Photographs, prints, paintings, post cards and examples of costumes will be on display during the exhibition, examining the evidence for its origins and development over the years. The exhibition will be open to the public until 31 October 2009.

Esther Roberts, Gwynedd Museum and Art Gallery Curator said: “We are particularly pleased that this important exhibition has decided to visit us here in Gwynedd.

“I’m sure that the exhibition and various accompanying activities which will be held at the Gwynedd Museum and Art Gallery will have something to interest all visitors. If you don’t have any background about the Welsh Costume, or even if you have a keen interest in the subject – there will be something to everyone’s taste.”

A competition to design a Welsh costume or souvenir has also been launched. The competition is open to all as there are three age categories (5 to 11, 12 to 16, 17+). Selected works will be exhibited at the Gwynedd Museum & Art Gallery, Bangor and winning entries will scoop work by the artist, Lowri Davies. Call the Gallery to ask for an application form today on 01248 353 368.

In addition, there are a number of related events held at Gwynedd Museum and Art Gallery:

Tuesday Evening, 6 October at 7pm
Public lecture by Michael Freeman, Curator of Ceredigion Museum and curator of this exhibition, will be talking about his research into the Welsh Costume. Free to all.

Tuesday, 27 October
Art workshops with Luned Rhys Parri in which a mural will be made depicting Welsh women in landscape. You can book a workshop between 10.30am and 12.30pm or 2pm and 4pm. £3 per session including art materials. It is advisable to book in advance as places are limited.

Wednesday, 28 October
Art workshops with Amber Smit to create a Welsh costume using paper. You can book a workshop between 10.30am and 12.30pm or 2pm and 4pm. £3 per session including art materials. It is advisable to book in advance as places are limited.

Saturday, 31 October
Art workshop with Emma Hobbins in which you will be making your own Welsh hat between 10.30am and 12.30pm. £3 per session including art materials. It is advisable to book in advance as places are limited.

Monday, 23 November
One day Seminar looking at Costumes between 11am and 4pm. Speakers include Elen Philips (Textile Curator, St Fagans), Michael Freeman (Curator, Ceredigion Museum) and Althea Mackenzie (Textile Conservator). This is a workforce development event arranged by the Federation of Museums and Galleries in Wales. Free to members of the Federation or £10 to non-members. Places are limited.

The Gwynedd Museum & Art Gallery, Bangor is open from Tuesday to Friday from 12.30pm to 4.30pm and on Saturday from 10.30am to 4.30pm. Admission is free.

Illustration: A detail from a portrait of Mrs Gwyn, Swansea by G.O.Delamotte, c.1820 (NLW Collection)