Maenan Old Hall, Llanrwst, North Wales
The hall at Maenan was built in 1509, probably by Dafydd ab Owain, abbot of Aberconwy and bishop of St Asaph. At the centre of the hall is a soaring gothic arch, formed by crucks. In 1582 the hall was encased in plasterwork by Morus Kyffin who tried hard to match his opulent neighbours, the Wynn's of nearby Gwydir. Our group of 40 or so delegates was split into three smaller groups to view the interior and we were told we were not to take photographs inside the house. As I had been asked to provide sketches for someone who has to write up the conference for the VAG newsletter in return for bursary funding for her place I felt under little pressure to have a go at some of the amazing plasterwork. This is as far as I got before we were moved out of the hall, our total time inside the house being limited to about 20 minutes. I have left the drawing unfinished as a reminder of what can be done on a limited time.
Maenan Old Hall, Llanrwst, North Wales
The hall at Maenan was built in 1509, probably by Dafydd ab Owain, abbot of Aberconwy and bishop of St Asaph. At the centre of the hall is a soaring gothic arch, formed by crucks. In 1582 the hall was encased in plasterwork by Morus Kyffin who tried hard to match his opulent neighbours, the Wynn's of nearby Gwydir. Our group of 40 or so delegates was split into three smaller groups to view the interior and we were told we were not to take photographs inside the house. As I had been asked to provide sketches for someone who has to write up the conference for the VAG newsletter in return for bursary funding for her place I felt under little pressure to have a go at some of the amazing plasterwork. This is as far as I got before we were moved out of the hall, our total time inside the house being limited to about 20 minutes. I have left the drawing unfinished as a reminder of what can be done on a limited time.