A GIANT image of Wales’s patron saint has appeared at St Davids Bishop’s Palace today (01 March), as Cadw celebrates the most patriotic day in the Welsh calendar year — St David’s Day.
A stunning tribute to Saint David, or “Dewi Sant” in Welsh, the land-art creation is made entirely from garden bark and more than 1,000 fresh daffodils — the national flower of Wales.
Welsh artist and Britain’s Got Talent finalist, Nathan Wyburn, is the creative genius behind the portrait, which was commissioned by Cadw and expertly crafted in just 6 hours and 12 minutes.
Measuring an enormous 11m by 8m, the larger-than-life portrait is Nathan’s largest and most ambitious creation to date — complete with a bright and blooming daffodil halo.
The portrait even features a detailed depiction of Saint David’s iconic emblem, a white dove, which is said to have landed on his shoulder just moments before a miracle took place in ancient Ceredigion — whereby the ground beneath the saint rose up to form a hill, allowing huge crowds to hear his words of wisdom.
Located in the majestic central courtyard of St Davids Bishop’s Palace in Pembrokeshire, the modern portrait of this pre-medieval hero is also just a stone’s throw away from St Davids Cathedral, where Saint David was allegedly buried in 589 AD.
The artistic interpretation of the ancient Welsh figure is all part of Cadw’s Rediscover History campaign, which will shine a modern light on Welsh heritage and provide new ways for visitors to experience Welsh history during Wales’s 2019 Year of Discovery.
Nathan Wyburn said: “I am immensely proud to be Welsh and hope that the portrait will offer visitors an insightful taster into the stories behind St David’s Day and our patron saint.
“It’s one of the most colourful days of the year — a true celebration of Welshness that spreads far beyond Wales and I’m thrilled that I was invited to bring Saint David to the fore on this special, national day.”
Minister for Culture, Tourism and Sport, Lord Elis-Thomas added: “Cadw is always looking for new and creative ways to bring Wales’s historic figures to life, and this fusion of history, Welsh culture and interpretive art not only celebrates the life of our beloved patron saint but offers a one-of-a-kind welcome to one of Wales’s most tranquil historic gems — St Davids Bishop’s Palace.
“A huge amount of work went into this commemorative depiction of Saint David, so Cadw is thrilled to be able to unveil it on our national day of celebration and hopes that it will inspire the public to discover Wales’s rich heritage this weekend and throughout the Year of Discovery.”
To catch a glimpse of Nathan Wyburn’s unmissable temporary portrait of Saint David, visit St Davids Bishop’s Palace in St Davids, Pembrokeshire. But be quick — it won’t be long until the rain washes him away!
St Davids Bishop’s Palace, as well as several other Cadw sites across Wales will open their doors for free on St David’s Day this year — allowing visitors across the country to explore and enjoy Wales’s rich heritage, completely free of charge.
The following Cadw sites, which normally charge for admission, can be visited for free on Friday, 01 March 2019: St David Bishop’s Palace, Beaumaris Castle, Caernarfon Castle, Caerphilly Castle, Carreg Cennen Castle, Castell Coch, Chepstow Castle, Conwy Castle, Criccieth Castle, Dolwyddelan Castle, Harlech Castle, Kidwelly Castle, Raglan Castle, Tintern Abbey, Tretower Court and Castle and Weobley Castle.
