A sprawling outdoor portrait of St David crowned with a halo of more than 1,000 daffodils has brought Wales’ patron saint to life in a burst of patriotic colour.
As part of celebrations for this year’s St David’s Day, Welsh artist Nathan Wyburn created the likeness in the grounds of St Davids Bishop’s Palace in Pembrokeshire.
Roughly 32ft tall and 26ft wide, the contours of Dewi Sant’s face, beard and robes have been strikingly depicted with dark-brown garden bark chippings artfully laid in the central courtyard.
The temporary portrait also features Saint David’s iconic emblem, a white dove, albeit in brown bark.
The location itself is special, with the portrait crafted a stone’s throw from St Davids Cathedral, where he is said to have been buried in the sixth century AD.
Wyburn, a Britain’s Got Talent finalist, said: “I am immensely proud to be Welsh and hope that the portrait will offer visitors an insightful taster into the stories behind St David’s Day and our patron saint.
“It’s one of the most colourful days of the year — a true celebration of Welshness that spreads far beyond Wales and I’m thrilled that I was invited to bring Saint David to the fore on this special, national day.”
The project is part of the Rediscover History campaign by Cadw, the Welsh Government’s historic environment service.
Minister for Culture, Tourism and Sport, Lord Elis-Thomas said: “Cadw is always looking for new and creative ways to bring Wales’s historic figures to life, and this fusion of history, Welsh culture and interpretive art not only celebrates the life of our beloved patron saint but offers a one-of-a-kind welcome to one of Wales’s most tranquil historic gems — St Davids Bishop’s Palace.”
The palace, as well as several other Cadw sites across Wales, will open their doors for free on St David’s Day.
Elsewhere on Friday a St David’s Day Parade will be held in Cardiff from midday.
