Tryweryn Monument

John Meirion Morris incorporates symbols from the past suffering of the people of the valley into a most apposite work which will mark the beginning of a new era in Wales.It will surely become a national symbol for Wales.
(Tamara Krikorian, Director of Cywaith Cymru. Artworks Wales)

‘The Tryweryn sculpture is not ironic, not parodic, not post-modernist but I would suggest, without doubt, the work is revolutionary. Like the headless torso of Apollo, as experienced by the poet Rilke, it would change our lives. It is the very stuff of personal and social transformation.’
(Peter Abbs, Poet & Art Critic)

In 1957, against passionate Welsh opposition, Parliment at Westminster decreed that the valley of the Tryweryn river, near Bala in Gwynedd, should be flooded to make a reservoir for the English city of Liverpool. Within a few years, the very Welsh village of Capel Celyn disappeared forever beneath the waters, and all its inhabitants had to move elsewhere. This wretched event was paradoxically to prove a turning point in the history of Wales, convincing Welsh people that they must have the right to govern their own affairs. To mark its fortieth anniversary, to express sorrow for the end of Capel Celyn and its heritage, and to symbolize the new Welsh era of hope and reconciliation that it helped to bring about, a monument is to be placed beside the dam which, a generation ago, so fatefully inspired Welsh patriots to the slogan "Cofiwch Dryweryn" - remember Tryweryn.
(Jan Morris)

Currently this memorial to ‘Tryweryn’ is on display at the British Embassy in the United Nations building in New York.

The monument will cost in the region of £250,000. If you would wish to contribute towards the cost with a small or a large donation please send your cheques (payable to 'Cofeb Tryweryn') to the address below.

COFEB TRYWERYN, Ty Newydd, Llanuwchllyn, Y Bala, Gwynedd, LL23 7TL