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Mr Owen, a clogmaker based in Gwynedd, Wales, has spent the last 36
years perfecting his trade, and is one of the last craftsmen
in the United Kingdom who can make the wooden shoes by hand. While
the primary market for clogs is for use in Welsh dancing, Mr Owen
also sells them internationally. But, at nearly 63 years old, he is
worried about what will become of his industry after he
decides to retire.
The clogmaker appeared on BBC Radio 4 earlier this year, to talk
about the difficulties he faced while trying to find an
apprentice to take over from him. After the broadcast aired, he
received a phone call from someone who works for the Prince of
Wales, asking for more information and expressing the Prince’s
desire to help conserve this ancient Welsh art.
With this royal support, as well as financial backing, Mr Owen was
able to find an apprentice, 21 year-old Gwilym Bowen Rhys, who is
also from Wales. He is currently teaching Gwilym the skills of the
trade, and despite it being early days, Mr Owen describes his new
protege as “energetic and enthusiastic.”
A spokesperson for Clarence House said about Prince Charles’
involvement: “The Prince of Wales was keen to see the craft of
traditional Welsh clog making continued, and so was very glad to
contribute to help ensure that Mr Owen could recruit and
apprentice.”
In the past, Prince Charles has expressed a keen interest in the
preservation of culture and heritage, both of his country and
others. He is a patron of numerous charitable organisations and
trusts which work towards that, including the Cornwall Heritage
Trust and The Prince’s School of Traditional Arts.
photo credit: Defence Images via photopin
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