Pool Street

Designers Ann Catrin Evans and Lois Prys have created the visual works for Pool Street. Their design has been inspired by the strong historical links with hat-makers, dressmakers, shoemakers, tailors and rope and string makers on Pool Street, as well as the flow of the river Cadnant through the town centre.

 

“We wanted to create something that would combine weaving, sewing and rope making techniques with the flow of the river Cadnant to create an impressive art installation along Pool Street,” said Lois Prys. Throughout the project period and in developing the piece of work, they have both been working with local community groups to create the piece – a real team effort. Collaboration with the community has generated interest and an eagerness to create, and to enhance an area of Caernarfon that responds to the community’s demand, and is something that everyone can be proud of.

Feeding into this lovely visual work, many conversations have taken place with the community, discovering stories, memories and hearing about what Pool Street means to them. The creative community company MWY has been leading on this work:

“As community company MWY, our part in the project was to gather the stories and memories of different groups and individuals in Caernarfon about Pool Street. Alongside the older community’s memories, we wanted to get the younger generation’s perspective and their perceptions of the street in a more imaginative and playful way – from the viewpoint of the seagulls!”

The playwright Iola Ynyr weaved all the material together into a script using the exact words of the participants. The script was recorded by two local actors – Betsan Ceiriog and Iwan Fôn and the material is available using the QR code shown in some shop windows on Pool Street.

You will hear the result of their conversations in this recording that summarises all the stories gathered and represents the voice of this historic street.

Click here for the transcript (Welsh Only)