Bardic Chair, National Eisteddfod, Colwyn Bay

THE NATIONAL EISTEDDFOD CHAIR. A HANDSOME DESIGN. As has been previously reported in these columns, the bardic chair for the chief literary competition at the. forthcoming National Eisteddfod at Colwyn Bay has been gratuitously presented by Messrs D. Allen and Sons, Station Road., Colwyn Bay. It is an exceedingly handsome. piece of furniture produced entirely by the firm, being in the main the work of Mr T. Foxley, one of their employees. It has been designed by Mr Elcock, of Messrs J. M. Porter and Elcock (architects, etc., Colwyn Bay). The interlaced work ornamenting the framing is all based on the well-known, "Opus Hibernicum" so largely used on ancient Celtic crosses, etc. The back is a fine piece of work, the main feature being the Red Dragon, in the design of which many authorities and experts have been requisitioned, so that if there is anything more than legend in the reputed national crest, at least we have here a most trustworthy representative. The design and arrangement of the beast are of interest, and the difference between the chair Dragon and the weak-legged gamecock model which appears on the Eisteddfod note-paper is worthy of note. In the lower portion of the back panel is shown the rising sun, and at the top the three-rayed emblem of the Eisteddfod, inlaid in ivory. Round the panel the various well-known mottos are arranged. The posts and sides are terminated by well-modelled goats' heads, and the seat is covered with hide stained green. The general effect of the chair is certainly extremely dignified and rich, yet without obtrusive ornament. Experts declare the chair to be the finest seen for many years at an Eisteddfod. [Welsh Coast Pioneer 1 September 1910 page 6]

Reference        Welsh Coast Pioneer 1 September 1910
Reference        North Wales Pioneer 19 August 1910 - almost identical description