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0:00:22 > 0:00:26- Well, this is an unusual - and enormous house.
0:00:26 > 0:00:29- I can't wait to meet the owner.
0:00:29 > 0:00:31- Let's go and hunt for clues.
0:00:35 > 0:00:39- This person is famous for his work - in textile design.
0:00:40 > 0:00:43- He's also well-known - for his weaving.
0:00:43 > 0:00:46- This is all his own beautiful work.
0:00:48 > 0:00:51- There are many - foreign items in this house.
0:00:51 > 0:00:53- Artworks from China...
0:00:53 > 0:00:58- ..India, Egypt, Russia, - all over the world.
0:00:58 > 0:01:01- This person - has travelled extensively.
0:01:03 > 0:01:07- Chapels are close - to this person's heart...
0:01:07 > 0:01:12- ..and he's famous - for his stitch drawings of them.
0:01:17 > 0:01:21- Textile artist - and designer Cefyn Burgess...
0:01:21 > 0:01:23- ..lives in this incredible house.
0:01:31 > 0:01:35- The first chapel I ever drew - was my home chapel.
0:01:37 > 0:01:40- Its closure - was the starting point...
0:01:40 > 0:01:43- ..for me to draw chapels - and keep a record them.
0:01:44 > 0:01:49- You can see history - and the fabric of Welsh society...
0:01:49 > 0:01:51- ..in one small building.
0:01:59 > 0:02:02- Thank you - for inviting me here, Cefyn.
0:02:03 > 0:02:07- I've never sat in a round room - like this one before.
0:02:07 > 0:02:12- It was one of the main things - that attracted me to this house.
0:02:12 > 0:02:16- It's nice to live in a tower.
0:02:16 > 0:02:18- Tell me about yourself.
0:02:18 > 0:02:21- You're from Bethesda originally.
0:02:21 > 0:02:26- What do they call people - who grew up in the village itself?
0:02:27 > 0:02:31- Howgets. That's the name given - to people from the village.
0:02:32 > 0:02:34- I was born and raised in Bethesda.
0:02:34 > 0:02:39- I wasn't even born in hospital - in Bangor - I was born in the house.
0:02:41 > 0:02:46- I went to Ysgol Dyffryn Ogwen - and I studied Art and Scripture.
0:02:46 > 0:02:50- I went to Manchester - and graduated in Woven Textiles.
0:02:51 > 0:02:57- I then did an MA in Textiles - at the Royal College Of Art, London.
0:02:57 > 0:03:02- Did you become a professional artist - straight from college?
0:03:02 > 0:03:05- I had a workshop in Bethnal Green.
0:03:05 > 0:03:09- I weaved blankets and created - crockery for London shops.
0:03:10 > 0:03:15- I then got a chance - to be a weaver...
0:03:15 > 0:03:19- ..at a silk mill in Macclesfield - called Paradise Mill.
0:03:20 > 0:03:25- I worked there - for around three years.
0:03:26 > 0:03:30- I then realized there was a loom - at Trefriw Woollen Mills...
0:03:30 > 0:03:33- ..which produced wonderful blankets.
0:03:34 > 0:03:39- I won an award from the Worshipful - Company of Weavers in London...
0:03:39 > 0:03:42- ..to work on a restoration project.
0:03:42 > 0:03:45- That's what brought me back - to North Wales...
0:03:46 > 0:03:48- ..and to the Conwy Valley.
0:03:49 > 0:03:55- You went to Trefriw to restore - and recreate the whole mill?
0:03:55 > 0:03:56- No, not the whole mill!
0:03:57 > 0:04:00- It was one very special loom.
0:04:00 > 0:04:05- That Jacquard loom is now - at the museum in Drefach Felindre.
0:04:06 > 0:04:08- You now have a workshop in Ruthin.
0:04:08 > 0:04:09- You now have a workshop in Ruthin.- - Yes.
0:04:10 > 0:04:14- I've been based in the town - of Ruthin for eight years.
0:04:14 > 0:04:18- When I moved to this house, - I worked in the cellar...
0:04:18 > 0:04:22- ..but I wanted to open it out, - so I moved to the centre in Ruthin.
0:04:23 > 0:04:26- Has your work changed - over the years?
0:04:26 > 0:04:29- It's evolved rather than changed.
0:04:29 > 0:04:34- I'm someone who thinks about - one thing and then has new ideas...
0:04:34 > 0:04:36- ..and changes direction.
0:04:37 > 0:04:42- Sometimes, weaving textiles - for furniture is my world...
0:04:42 > 0:04:46- ..then I'll slowly - gravitate towards blankets...
0:04:47 > 0:04:49- ..and find myself - returning to the chapels.
0:04:50 > 0:04:54- It changes from one thing - to another, depending on how I feel.
0:04:55 > 0:04:58- These must be examples of your work.
0:04:58 > 0:04:59- These must be examples of your work.- - Yes.
0:05:00 > 0:05:03- I'm really looking forward to this.
0:05:03 > 0:05:06- Can we go for a snoop - around the house with you?
0:05:06 > 0:05:09- Yes, of course. - You're more than welcome.
0:05:19 > 0:05:23- Cefyn, does the sun always shine - like this in Deganwy?
0:05:23 > 0:05:26- Yes. Deganwy - has its own microclimate.
0:05:27 > 0:05:28- It's really nice.
0:05:29 > 0:05:32- This is an incredible house.
0:05:32 > 0:05:37- There's something grand about it - and it looks almost Grecian.
0:05:38 > 0:05:41- Yes, there's a touch of Greece here.
0:05:41 > 0:05:44- This is an Arts and Crafts house.
0:05:45 > 0:05:49- It's a huge property. - Do you own the whole building?
0:05:50 > 0:05:52- No, it's divided into four units.
0:05:53 > 0:05:56- I own two of them - and the other two are flats.
0:05:56 > 0:05:58- It was divided up in the 1950s.
0:05:59 > 0:06:01- I'd hate to have to clean it all!
0:06:01 > 0:06:03- It's a big task.
0:06:03 > 0:06:04- It's a big task.- - I'll check!
0:06:05 > 0:06:06- Can we take a look?
0:06:06 > 0:06:07- Can we take a look?- - Yes, of course.
0:06:16 > 0:06:20- The light flooding - into this lounge is lovely.
0:06:20 > 0:06:24- Yes, and light streams in - from dawn till dusk.
0:06:24 > 0:06:25- It's truly lovely.
0:06:26 > 0:06:29- That light fitting - suits the ceiling rose perfectly.
0:06:30 > 0:06:33- Oddly enough, - it isn't original to the house.
0:06:34 > 0:06:36- The ceiling rose is original...
0:06:37 > 0:06:40- ..but a friend of mine - found the light fitting...
0:06:41 > 0:06:43- ..when he was clearing his attic.
0:06:44 > 0:06:46- It was black with dust.
0:06:46 > 0:06:47- It's perfect.
0:06:47 > 0:06:51- It looks like - it's always been there.
0:06:51 > 0:06:55- Are the pictures on the wall - examples of your work?
0:06:55 > 0:06:58- Yes - I did them - when I was at school.
0:06:58 > 0:07:01- You did those at school? Wow!
0:07:01 > 0:07:04- You did those at school? Wow!- - Yes, and they took hours!
0:07:04 > 0:07:08- That was only a couple of years ago!
0:07:08 > 0:07:10- What about the furniture?
0:07:10 > 0:07:13- They're all gifts - or brilliant finds.
0:07:13 > 0:07:17- If I like a piece of furniture, - I find a place for it.
0:07:18 > 0:07:23- Through that door or this one? - Where shall we go next?
0:07:23 > 0:07:29- Around the side to the kitchen or - straight ahead to the dining room.
0:07:30 > 0:07:31- Let's go to the kitchen.
0:07:31 > 0:07:33- Step this way.
0:07:35 > 0:07:37- This is your kitchen.
0:07:37 > 0:07:40- Hello, are you alright?
0:07:40 > 0:07:42- Hello, are you alright?- - She's looking for her lunch.
0:07:43 > 0:07:45- Who does the cooking?
0:07:45 > 0:07:46- Not me!
0:07:46 > 0:07:47- Not me!- - Not you?
0:07:48 > 0:07:51- I get the feeling - you want to move on swiftly!
0:07:51 > 0:07:53- You just pass through the kitchen.
0:07:54 > 0:07:56- Are those your pictures?
0:07:56 > 0:07:59- Yes - pictures of crockery - and Welsh dressers.
0:07:59 > 0:08:03- I painted those - when I was at college.
0:08:03 > 0:08:08- I looked at patterns - and traditional furniture.
0:08:08 > 0:08:10- I gathered ideas and information.
0:08:12 > 0:08:13- Let's go through.
0:08:16 > 0:08:18- Where next? The dining room.
0:08:21 > 0:08:22- A cosy little room.
0:08:22 > 0:08:25- Yes, and I adore the table - and those chairs.
0:08:26 > 0:08:29- Yes, they really suit the house - and the colours.
0:08:31 > 0:08:35- There's a foreign influence here.
0:08:35 > 0:08:39- Yes. There are things - from my travels in here.
0:08:40 > 0:08:41- Are those stamps?
0:08:42 > 0:08:44- Yes - they're stamps.
0:08:45 > 0:08:48- When you go backpacking - around India...
0:08:49 > 0:08:51- ..for two or three months...
0:08:52 > 0:08:56- ..you don't want - to carry bulky keepsakes home.
0:08:57 > 0:09:00- That's why - we went to the post office...
0:09:00 > 0:09:04- ..and chose stamps - which we thought were fitting.
0:09:04 > 0:09:07- We got the post office - to stamp the date on them...
0:09:08 > 0:09:11- ..and we had a memento of our trip.
0:09:11 > 0:09:13- That's a nice idea.
0:09:13 > 0:09:15- Did this come from India too?
0:09:15 > 0:09:20- Yes - I brought back a few textiles.
0:09:20 > 0:09:24- Do you find yourself carrying out - research wherever you go?
0:09:24 > 0:09:29- Do you always look at textiles, - patterns and weaving techniques?
0:09:29 > 0:09:34- I'm interested in it, of course, - but as it's my job when I'm home...
0:09:34 > 0:09:39- ..I try to distance myself from it - when I'm on holiday.
0:09:39 > 0:09:43- Having said that, - when I see something remarkable...
0:09:43 > 0:09:47- ..I do enjoy - bringing it home with me.
0:09:53 > 0:09:55- This is a collection box.
0:09:55 > 0:09:56- It came from a church.
0:09:57 > 0:09:59- There's money in there.
0:10:00 > 0:10:03- I'll put a coin in too - to give you good luck.
0:10:08 > 0:10:11- On the first floor, - there's a bathroom...
0:10:13 > 0:10:16- ..an office and a guest bedroom.
0:10:28 > 0:10:33- This lovely round bedroom - has some incredible views.
0:10:39 > 0:10:42- I expected to find - a Welsh blanket...
0:10:42 > 0:10:45- ..or an example - of your work on the bed.
0:10:45 > 0:10:47- But I'd say this blanket is Indian.
0:10:48 > 0:10:53- Yes, but I could never improve - on the stitching, the colour...
0:10:53 > 0:10:57- ..and the tiny mirrors - on that lovely blanket.
0:10:57 > 0:11:00- Do you use - a variety of blankets on your bed?
0:11:00 > 0:11:03- Yes, I swap them over - all the time.
0:11:04 > 0:11:09- This is so delicate and special, - I'm scared the cats will scratch it.
0:11:10 > 0:11:14- Do you collect textiles - because they're valuable?
0:11:14 > 0:11:16- Are they works of art to you?
0:11:16 > 0:11:18- Are they works of art to you?- - Yes - they are works of art.
0:11:18 > 0:11:21- They're valuable, - but not in a monetary sense.
0:11:21 > 0:11:24- I don't look at them like that.
0:11:31 > 0:11:35- Join me after the break to hear more - about Cefyn and his work.
0:11:36 > 0:11:39- We'll also visit his studio - and shop in Ruthin.
0:11:40 > 0:11:40- .
0:11:44 > 0:11:44- Subtitles
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0:11:47 > 0:11:49- What a cute little car!
0:11:50 > 0:11:51- Mr Bean's car!
0:11:54 > 0:11:56- Ooh! What a lovely interior.
0:11:58 > 0:11:59- Welcome back.
0:12:00 > 0:12:05- Cefyn and I are leaving Deganwy and - heading to Ruthin in the little car.
0:12:10 > 0:12:11- Why the chapels?
0:12:11 > 0:12:16- It started - when we lost some chapels back home.
0:12:17 > 0:12:21- My spiritual homes rather than - my physical home, if you like.
0:12:21 > 0:12:26- That's where my soul called home. - I was raised there.
0:12:26 > 0:12:30- At first, I just wanted - to keep a record of them...
0:12:30 > 0:12:33- ..because I wanted - to cling onto them.
0:12:34 > 0:12:39- It's now more about the way - the stone used to build chapels...
0:12:39 > 0:12:43- ..highlights the colour of the soil - in that area.
0:12:43 > 0:12:48- They got the stone for building - chapels from the ground, after all.
0:12:48 > 0:12:53- The stones they use to build chapels - reflect the colours of Wales.
0:12:53 > 0:12:58- Chapels are windows on a huge - variety of aspects of Welsh life.
0:12:58 > 0:13:01- That's why I'm interested in them.
0:13:01 > 0:13:07- What sorts of chapels - have you chosen as subjects?
0:13:07 > 0:13:09- I'll happily draw any chapel.
0:13:10 > 0:13:13- I've seen some chapels - that are "blind".
0:13:13 > 0:13:18- There are no windows - on the front of the building.
0:13:19 > 0:13:24- I have to think long and hard - about those and make sense of them.
0:13:24 > 0:13:28- I either draw them from the side...
0:13:28 > 0:13:31- ..or look - for other special features.
0:13:48 > 0:13:50- That was amazing.
0:13:50 > 0:13:53- Just standing and watching - is therapeutic.
0:13:53 > 0:13:55- This is the process.
0:13:55 > 0:13:57- It starts with a sketch.
0:13:57 > 0:14:02- You choose a chapel, and this one - happens to be in Patagonia...
0:14:02 > 0:14:04- ..and you sketch what you see.
0:14:06 > 0:14:07- What's the next step?
0:14:08 > 0:14:11- I'm an artist - but I sew rather than use paint.
0:14:12 > 0:14:15- This is my paintbrush or my pencil.
0:14:16 > 0:14:20- You set out the colour and the lines - on this piece of fabric.
0:14:20 > 0:14:22- Yes - it's white cotton.
0:14:23 > 0:14:26- I use this small sewing machine - to do that.
0:14:26 > 0:14:30- Every machine - sews in a different way.
0:14:30 > 0:14:32- I use that one - to create these lines.
0:14:32 > 0:14:37- They trace the line of the horizon - or the line of the land.
0:14:37 > 0:14:39- They're on the horizontal.
0:14:39 > 0:14:41- They're on the horizontal.- - And then you add the colour.
0:14:42 > 0:14:44- It matches the palette perfectly.
0:14:46 > 0:14:47- Is that paint?
0:14:47 > 0:14:49- Is that paint?- - No - it's ink and dye.
0:14:49 > 0:14:51- I apply it with a roller.
0:14:51 > 0:14:53- The roller cuts across the marks...
0:14:54 > 0:14:59- ..and gives you more of a sense - of texture on the surface.
0:15:00 > 0:15:05- It runs in parallel with the sketch - so it's a matter of interpretation.
0:15:05 > 0:15:09- I must reproduce those marks - on the fabric.
0:15:09 > 0:15:12- These are the stones we see here?
0:15:12 > 0:15:14- These are the stones we see here?- - Yes - the gravel and grit.
0:15:15 > 0:15:17- The ground is dusty and rocky.
0:15:18 > 0:15:21- Sorry. I'll be quiet - and let you concentrate.
0:15:21 > 0:15:23- Don't make a mistake because of me!
0:15:23 > 0:15:25- Don't make a mistake because of me!- - Once I start sewing, I can't stop.
0:15:27 > 0:15:29- Off we go.
0:15:42 > 0:15:46- The aim is to recreate what I did - with the pencils or pens...
0:15:47 > 0:15:48- ..when I was over there.
0:15:49 > 0:15:51- I copy my movements...
0:15:51 > 0:15:55- ..as I try to replicate the feeling - I had when I was sketching.
0:15:59 > 0:16:04- You transport yourself back - to that moment when you were there.
0:16:04 > 0:16:06- Yes, and creating marks.
0:16:07 > 0:16:11- I enjoy creating the type of marks - you see here.
0:16:11 > 0:16:15- I can't believe you can create trees - with a sewing machine.
0:16:15 > 0:16:17- I can't sew a button!
0:16:17 > 0:16:20- The way I now work - with a sewing machine...
0:16:20 > 0:16:24- ..is very close - to the way I work with a pencil.
0:16:24 > 0:16:28- Maybe my sketching - is very similar to the way I sew!
0:16:28 > 0:16:31- I'm not sure which came first - any more!
0:16:31 > 0:16:33- They've melded into one.
0:16:46 > 0:16:50- You have two units, - one being the workshop we just saw.
0:16:50 > 0:16:53- That's where you sew - and do all the things you do.
0:16:54 > 0:16:57- Is your second unit - a shop, essentially?
0:16:57 > 0:16:58- Yes.
0:16:59 > 0:17:01- I outgrew the nest.
0:17:01 > 0:17:04- The nest became too small for you.
0:17:04 > 0:17:05- The nest became too small for you.- - Yes, like a cuckoo.
0:17:06 > 0:17:08- I needed storage space...
0:17:08 > 0:17:14- ..for big commissions such as one - from Liverpool Cathedral.
0:17:14 > 0:17:17- I had to find - a clean and secure space.
0:17:17 > 0:17:21- I moved the furniture in here - and that opened up the space.
0:17:23 > 0:17:28- Someone brings a chair to you - and you cover it and restore it?
0:17:29 > 0:17:33- You cover furniture - with your textiles, do you?
0:17:33 > 0:17:36- Thanks to Eryl, who works with me.
0:17:36 > 0:17:41- He repairs and restores furniture.
0:17:41 > 0:17:43- He's a real craftsman.
0:17:43 > 0:17:48- I'm very fortunate to work with him - and with Elen, who's a seamstress.
0:17:48 > 0:17:50- We're a team.
0:17:50 > 0:17:52- I create the textiles...
0:17:52 > 0:17:55- ..and experts - help me put the work together.
0:17:55 > 0:17:58- It's all about teamwork.
0:18:01 > 0:18:05- You designed and created - these patterns...
0:18:05 > 0:18:09- ..and took them to a mill - to be woven?
0:18:09 > 0:18:10- Did you designed all these?
0:18:10 > 0:18:12- Did you designed all these?- - From scratch.
0:18:12 > 0:18:16- How do you - come up with a new design?
0:18:16 > 0:18:19- I keep close to my roots.
0:18:19 > 0:18:23- This design is called Blodau Pesda - and it was inspired...
0:18:23 > 0:18:27- ..by the tradition - of cutting patterns into slate...
0:18:27 > 0:18:30- ..in the Ogwen Valley.
0:18:30 > 0:18:35- An element of safeguarding - traditions comes into my work.
0:18:35 > 0:18:37- I research and develop patterns...
0:18:38 > 0:18:42- ..but paper and a pencil - brings them to life every time.
0:19:00 > 0:19:06- We're back in your lovely home, - after our jaunt to Ruthin.
0:19:06 > 0:19:10- This pair is one of the three items - you'd rescue...
0:19:10 > 0:19:12- ..if the house were on fire.
0:19:13 > 0:19:16- Yes - a pair of pictures - of the Carneddi area.
0:19:17 > 0:19:20- I played on these streets - as a boy...
0:19:21 > 0:19:25- ..and my family - has lived here for centuries.
0:19:26 > 0:19:29- We went to Sunday school - at Bryn Teg chapel...
0:19:30 > 0:19:34- ..and I was christened here, - at Carneddi chapel.
0:19:34 > 0:19:36- Mam worshipped there.
0:19:37 > 0:19:40- This cluster of houses - and two chapels...
0:19:40 > 0:19:44- ..has been a big part of my family's - history in the Ogwen Valley.
0:19:45 > 0:19:48- Do your relatives still live there?
0:19:48 > 0:19:51- Yes. I come from a big family.
0:19:52 > 0:19:54- More of a tribe than a family!
0:19:54 > 0:19:56- I won't badmouth you in Bethesda...
0:19:57 > 0:20:00- ..because you're related - to everyone there!
0:20:01 > 0:20:04- What other items would you rescue?
0:20:05 > 0:20:09- The second item - is directly linked to this one.
0:20:09 > 0:20:12- I'll take you downstairs to see it.
0:20:20 > 0:20:23- Your second treasure is in this box.
0:20:24 > 0:20:28- Yes, and this Bible box - is a true family treasure.
0:20:28 > 0:20:31- Inside the box - is the old Bible itself.
0:20:32 > 0:20:33- A very old Bible.
0:20:33 > 0:20:36- Yes, it's an old edition.
0:20:36 > 0:20:38- The wonderful thing about it...
0:20:38 > 0:20:43- ..is the inscription between the - Old Testament and the New Testament.
0:20:44 > 0:20:48- It's fascinating for my family - and for the Bethesda area.
0:20:48 > 0:20:54- "One year's money - paid on the 15th day of July, 1826.
0:20:54 > 0:20:59- "W Parry, Llandegfan, who works - in Cae Braich Y Cafn Quarry."
0:20:59 > 0:21:04- Braich Y Cafn Quarry was - the old name for Penrhyn Quarry...
0:21:04 > 0:21:08- ..so this was in the days - before the Penrhyn family.
0:21:10 > 0:21:13- This is a receipt for one shilling.
0:21:13 > 0:21:17- The other fascinating thing about it - is the date.
0:21:17 > 0:21:20- 1826, Llandegfan.
0:21:20 > 0:21:25- The Menai Suspension Bridge - was opened that year.
0:21:25 > 0:21:29- That meant that Anglesey people - could walk to Arfon.
0:21:30 > 0:21:34- He left Llandegfan to move to the - Ogwen Valley to work in the quarry.
0:21:35 > 0:21:38- In what year was this Bible printed?
0:21:38 > 0:21:40- In what year was this Bible printed?- - In the 18th century.
0:21:41 > 0:21:43- I don't remember exactly, - 17 something.
0:21:44 > 0:21:45- It's been in your family since 1826.
0:21:45 > 0:21:47- It's been in your family since 1826.- - Yes, I think so.
0:21:47 > 0:21:52- It was in my great-aunt's house - and now it's in my possession...
0:21:52 > 0:21:55- ..ready to be passed down - to the next generation.
0:22:05 > 0:22:08- Is this your third item?
0:22:08 > 0:22:09- Is this your third item?- - Yes - this is it.
0:22:09 > 0:22:11- The third treasure, if you like.
0:22:11 > 0:22:13- Tell me a bit about it.
0:22:13 > 0:22:15- Tell me a bit about it.- - It's an old oil lamp.
0:22:15 > 0:22:21- It's not valuable but it came from - my grandmother's home in Carneddi.
0:22:25 > 0:22:27- I used it during the Miners' Strike.
0:22:28 > 0:22:32- There were power cuts - and we were plunged into darkness.
0:22:32 > 0:22:35- I did my homework - by the light of this lamp.
0:22:35 > 0:22:39- My mother also did her schoolwork - by the light of this lamp.
0:22:40 > 0:22:45- So we had a shared history of doing - schoolwork by the light of the lamp.
0:22:45 > 0:22:50- It's a treasure to me - because of that history.
0:22:50 > 0:22:53- Good boy for doing your homework!
0:22:53 > 0:22:54- Good boy for doing your homework!- - I didn't always do it!
0:22:56 > 0:23:00- I've had a lovely time - in your home and at your studio.
0:23:00 > 0:23:02- Thank you very much, Cefyn.
0:23:02 > 0:23:04- Thank you very much, Cefyn.- - You're welcome. Any time.
0:23:08 > 0:23:11- I had a great morning - with Cefyn Burgess.
0:23:11 > 0:23:13- Thank you for your company.
0:23:13 > 0:23:15- See you next time...
0:23:15 > 0:23:19- ..when I snoop around - the home of another famous face.
0:23:19 > 0:23:20- Goodbye.
0:23:37 > 0:23:39- S4C Subtitles by Testun Cyf.
0:23:39 > 0:23:40- .