The fate of a marble masterpiece hangs in the balance in Narberth, Wales, as a passionate campaign unfolds to keep a cherished sculpture in its rightful place. This story is not just about a statue; it's a testament to the power of local history and the importance of preserving cultural heritage. In my opinion, this campaign is a fascinating blend of personal passion, historical significance, and the struggle to maintain a community's identity. What makes this particularly intriguing is the interplay between a retired doctor's dedication and the potential loss of a symbol deeply rooted in Narberth's past.
The sculpture in question, a marble masterpiece of Rhiannon and her son Pryderi, was commissioned by Dr. Roy Davies, a former Narberth GP, in 2017. It stands on a bluestone boulder in the grounds of Narberth Surgery, also known as Meddygfa Rhiannon, a name that pays homage to the Mabinogion, an ancient collection of Welsh folk tales. Narberth is intrinsically tied to these tales, serving as the primary royal court of Pwyll, Prince of Dyfed, and Rhiannon, and the setting for the First Branch of the Mabinogion. This makes the sculpture not just a decorative piece but a living connection to Narberth's rich history.
Dr. Davies, who took over the health centre in 1994 and redeveloped it into a vibrant resource centre, saw the statue as a fitting addition. "I commissioned a marble statue of Rhiannon and her son Pryderi in recognition of the association of Narberth with the Mabinogion," he said. "I also thought that the statue of mother and child would be relevant for a health centre."
However, when Dr. Davies retired in 2020, the health centre was sold to Assura plc, who specialize in healthcare infrastructure development and management. Earlier this year, Assura asked Dr. Davies to remove the sculpture, citing the tenants' inability to maintain it. This sparked a passionate response from Dr. Davies, who believes the sculpture should remain in situ.
"Most of them [the tenants] don’t know about the Mabinogion and its relationship with Narberth," he said. "It’s being removed in ignorance." Dr. Davies admits that the sculpture 'hadn’t been looked after' in recent years, but his son has been working tirelessly to restore it to its former glory. "I am giving it a good clean and remedying what was remiss of me in the first place," he said. "My son seems to be doing a good job of it so far. He is overwhelmed by support that he is receiving from locals for the work he is doing."
Dr. Davies is also commissioning a plaque explaining the significance of the sculpture to Narberth and to the surgery. "The sculpture has had a good clean and it should stay," he said. This campaign is not just about saving a statue; it's about preserving a piece of Narberth's identity and ensuring that its history remains alive for future generations. It raises a deeper question: How can we better integrate our cultural heritage into our daily lives and communities?
From my perspective, this story highlights the importance of local history and the power of individual passion to make a difference. It also underscores the need for better communication and understanding between different stakeholders, such as property developers and local communities. What many people don't realize is that preserving cultural heritage is not just about nostalgia; it's about building a stronger, more connected community. This campaign is a testament to the power of individual action and the importance of preserving our past for a brighter future.
