Tŷ Mawr Wybrnant is a 16th century farmhouse nestled in the Wybrnant valley near the village of Penmachno, Conwy in north Wales, and is the birthplace of Bishop William Morgan who translated the Bible into Welsh using rich, clear language. The publication of Y Beibl Cyssegr-lan in 1588 was one of the most important events in Welsh history and continues to inspire people, movements, and communities across Wales – remaining a powerful symbol of Welsh identity and the survival of the Welsh language, in speech, in print and online.
vPPR was commissioned to to design a family of oak display objects, including a climate controlled study pod, that enable the exhibition and handling of this very special bible collection.
Project
- Use: Exhibition
- Location: Snowdonia National Park, North Wales
- Status: Completed
- Date: Easter 2025
Team
- Client: The National Trust
- Graphic designer: Twelve
- Build: RM Jones Joinery
- Photography ©National Trust ©Paul Harris
The improvements at Tŷ Mawr Wybrnant are truly transformational, enhancing the visitor experience and bringing the history of William Morgan’s masterpiece to life in new and exciting ways. The project marks a new chapter in the history of Tŷ Mawr Wybrnant, ensuring that its legacy continues to inspire future generations.
Trystan Edwards, Eryri General Manager with National Trust Cymru
PROCESS
We were inspired by Antonello da Messina’s famous painting of Saint Jerome in his Study c 1475, where he was depicted translating the first bible into Latin. We transported this idea to Ty Mawr Wybrnant to celebrate Bishop Willam Morgan, who translated the first bible into Welsh. In the painting, the simple geometry of the timber study separates Saint Jerome from his surroundings and the wilderness outside, and also displays him on a plinth, framed by his desk and shelves.
Saint Jerome in his study - Antonello da Messina, 1475
1/1vPPR recreated the famous painting to form a sealed, humidity controlled study, to house the property’s growing collection of donated Bibles in various languages, which can be interacted with when an invigilator is present. The pod becomes a display case when the study is closed, although the farm building in which it is housed is always open to visitors, often hill-walkers and their dogs.
The simple arched geometry in plain oak is carried through to the other objects: a comfortable chair, also recreated from the painting, an large oak refectory table and benches in the library outside the pod and a set of museum quality display cases in the farm house, one of which houses the first printed 1588 bible.
A contemporary interpretation of the Gothic lettering found in the 1588 Welsh Bible has been specially created by graphic designers, Twelve, to give a spirited rendering of selected verses, now engraved onto furniture and elements within Y Llyfrgell. These are complemented by other characterful details such as the glass ornamentation, calligraphic shelf marks, guides in modern mediaeval binding, and panel materials inspired by the surrounding Welsh landscape.
Welsh joiner, RM Jones meticulously crafted the pod and furniture, while Glasshaus fabricated the museum-grade vitrines with oak stands to match.
Plan
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Front elevation
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Bespoke furniture
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