AN USK silversmith has been honoured with the role of creating a crown for this year’s Eisteffod.

Deborah Edwards, a silversmith and jeweller based near Usk, has been commissioned to create a crown for the National Eisteddfod of Wales when it comes to Monmouthshire later this year. The crown will be presented to the winner of the Pryddest, the free verse poetry competition, in one of the most important ceremonies at the Eisteddfod; the Crowning of the Bard. Although the design of the crown is a secret, it is expected to be a celebration of Monmouthshire and Wales as a whole.

Deborah Edwards was born in Wales, before completing a Bachelor of Arts degree in jewellery and silversmithing in London in 1994. After spending five years working at a jewellers in London and submitting pieces to art galleries, she returned to Wales. Now based in a workshop outside of Usk, near the Craft Renaissance Centre, Deborah designs and creates a range of jewellery from wedding rings to necklaces. She mainly creates and designs work in silver with semi-precious stones, but works with gold on commission.

Dressed in red in celebration of Saint Dwynwn’s Day, Deborah spoke to the Beacon this week. She said: “To be chosen to create the crown is a prestigious thing, and it’s such an honour to make something that will be part of history. I can’t talk about the design of the crown or materials used, as it must be secure and under wraps until it’s unveiled. But what I can say is that the design is inspired by Monmouthshire, and the beauty of living here.

“The process to win the commission began when I sent a letter expressing why I should receive it, alongside pictures of my work. After begin shortlisted, I was finally awarded the commission, and have been putting a lot of work in to designing and creating it.

“I’ve been involved with the Eisteddfod before, displaying my work in the Pavilion for ten days in 2014 when it was in Llanelli, but it’s very special to be given such a large scale commission.”

Deborah Edwards’ work is displayed in galleries across South Wales including the Craft Renaissance Centre near Usk, and Craft in the Bay, found in Cardiff. For more information on her work, and for commission enquiries, visit www.facebook.com/Deborah-Edwards-Jewellery-291714050979266/