COPPER mined on the Great Orme will be used for the crown in next year’s National Eisteddfod in Llanrwst.

The crown will be made by Angela Evans, a Caernarfon based jeweller.

The last copper mine on the Great Orme in Llandudno, Yr Hen Waith (The Old Mine) closed in 1881, the industry having declined substantially by then.

Gareth Pritchard of Llandudno was given the task of trying to source a two centimetre cube of copper and was helped by Edric Roberts, a director at the Great Orme Mines, who was able to produce a piece of malachite necessary to produce the copper. The mine will reopen to the public in mid March.

Edric explained the process: “It was cast from malachite which was first roasted to remove some of the impurities then re heated a number of times to get purer copper. Finally it was heated again to cast into a clay mould, shaped, cleaned and polished. It has been lacquered to keep its bright colour.”

Edric Roberts presented the copper cube to Huw Garmon, Chairman of the Llandudno and District Eisteddfod Appeal, who is a well known Welsh actor who portrayed Hedd Wyn in the famous film.

Angela explained she wanted her design to be contemporary and unique yet respectful of the Eisteddfod’s traditions. Designing and creating the Crown, which is sponsored by Grŵp Cynefin in 2019, will fulfil a long-standing ambition of hers.

Angela said: “I have always wanted to design and make an Eisteddfod Crown so I’m really excited to have won the commission. I’m hoping that it will create a unique centre piece for the Eisteddfod that people will remember.

The Crown is a major National Eisteddfod honour and is presented to the winner of one of the two major poetry competitions.

Angela’s designs are inspired by the natural environment of Snowdonia, from the fern covered hillsides to the stunning sunsets on the water.

Angela’s workshop is at ‘Siop iard’ in Caernarfon, a space which she shares with two other artists. They opened a second shop in Pwllheli in 2015 which is operated by a further three artists. As well as the shop, she offers jewellery making courses throughout the year.

Angela regularly works on commissions and projects for both private and public clients and has exhibited her jewellery nationally.