Emrys - The Great Welsh Dragon

Experience the awe-inspiring presence of the Great Welsh Dragon currently on loan to Swansea University's Great Hall.

Explore the World Behind the Creature

Delve into the rich lore and detailed craftsmanship of this magnificent creature through my beautifully designed book and ebook—available now on Blurb. I’ve spent countless hours ensuring this edition reflects the quality and passion behind my work, and the result is truly something special.

Start with the ebook—and if it captures your imagination, treat yourself to the gorgeous physical edition.

Ebook here

Blurb book here.

Inside, you'll uncover a treasure trove of knowledge, including:

A condensed history of Wales - unraveling the stories behind each intricate painting adorning the dragon.
An accessible rendition of the Mabinogion, accompanied by corresponding artwork, to illuminate these legendary Welsh tales.
Tales of Welsh folklore and accompanying artworks that capture the essence of these enduring stories.
A detailed exploration of the dragon's symbolism and hidden features, revealing the craftsmanship and artistry that brought it to life.
Behind-the-scenes insights into the creation process, showcasing the dedication and skill of Welsh artist Julia, who spent two years crafting this masterpiece in New Zealand.
Discover the names of notable Welsh figures immortalised on each scale, honouring their contributions to Welsh culture and history.

Embark on a journey of discovery and admiration as you unravel the mysteries of the Great Welsh Dragon, a testament to Welsh heritage and artistic excellence.

Sculpture of the Great Welsh Dragon - Emrys. Depicts The History and culture of Wales - An awe-inspiring sculpture.A powerful symbol of Welsh history and culture. The dragon is depicted in a dynamic pose, with its wings unfurled and scales intricately detailed to reflect its majestic strength. Its fiery eyes and open jaws convey energy and pride, while the deep copper hue of its scales echoes the iconic dragon of the Welsh flag. The base of the sculpture features motifs representing key elements of Welsh heritage, such as Celtic patterns and references to coal mining and the rugged Welsh landscape. This artwork celebrates the enduring spirit of the Welsh people.

A vibrant painting of Owain Glyndŵr adorns the side of the Great Welsh Dragon sculpture created by Julia O'Sullivan. The artwork depicts Glyndŵr, the last native Welshman to hold the title Prince of Wales, in a commanding stance. He is dressed in medieval armor, with a flowing red cloak and a determined expression, symbolizing his role as a leader of Welsh independence. The painting is rich in detail, featuring a backdrop of rugged mountains and a dramatic sky, evoking the Welsh landscape he fought to defend. This homage integrates seamlessly with the dragon sculpture, blending history, culture, and artistic expression into a powerful celebration of Welsh identity.

An intricately crafted metal claw forms part of the Great Welsh Dragon sculpture, showcasing notable elements of Welsh history. The Great Welsh Dragon's claw is a dynamic and textured piece, its metallic sheen catching the light to emphasise the craftswomanship. Etched and moulded into the surface are detailed representations of key Welsh landmarks, symbols, and figures, including Celtic knotwork, a miner’s lamp symbolising Wales' coal mining heritage, and a depiction of a harp honouring its musical traditions. This artistic integration of history into the dragon's form serves as a tribute to the resilience and cultural richness of Wales.

A captivating painting where Dylan Thomas is featured as part of the Great Welsh Dragon sculpture by Julia O'Sullivan, celebrating Welsh culture and history. The portrait captures the renowned Welsh poet and writer in a contemplative pose, his expressive face framed by soft, swirling strokes that evoke the lyrical nature of his work. The background incorporates the story of the Dream of Rhonabwy, alongside Richard Burton and Anthony Hopkins. This artistic tribute, seamlessly integrated into the dragon sculpture, honours the enduring legacy of one of Wales's most iconic literary figures.

This section of the Great Welsh Dragon sculpture by Julia O'Sullivan celebrates the full royal Tudor family and their renowned achievements. Intricate carvings and painted depictions adorn this part of the sculpture, showcasing the dynasty's prominent figures, including Henry VII, the founder of the Tudor line, and Elizabeth I, famed for her era of cultural flourishing. The artwork highlights key symbols of the Tudor legacy, such as the Tudor rose, heraldic designs, and references to their political and cultural contributions. This tribute, integrated into the majestic dragon, reflects the historical significance of the Tudors in shaping both Welsh and British history

The head of the Great Welsh Dragon sculpture, crafted by Julia O'Sullivan, is adorned with 500 meticulously hand-crafted copper scales. Each scale is etched with the name of a famous Welsh personality, celebrating the breadth of Welsh achievement across history and culture. The shimmering copper scales catch the light, creating a dynamic and regal effect that enhances the dragon's majestic presence. From legendary figures like Owain Glyndŵr to modern icons such as Dylan Thomas, this intricate detail symbolises the collective pride and legacy of the Welsh people, making the dragon's head a striking focal point of the sculpture.

The Great Welsh Dragon sculpture stands proudly on a slate base, crafted by Julia O'Sullivan, featuring 13 carefully chosen Welsh castles that rise from the surface, each representing key historical and cultural sites across Wales. The base is composed of differently coloured Welsh slate, artfully arranged to depict the distinct regions of Wales, showcasing the natural beauty and diversity of its landscapes. This design pays tribute to the country's mining heritage and steelworks, with subtle metallic elements and textures incorporated into the slate to honour these industries' profound impact on Welsh identity. The base forms a solid foundation for the dragon, grounding the sculpture in a celebration of Wales' enduring strength and history.

The Great Welsh Dragon's Beast Panel, crafted from steel and copper, is a stunning tribute to Welsh heritage. This intricate panel is adorned with etchings of famous Welsh sayings, songs, and poems, celebrating the nation's rich literary and cultural traditions. The combination of steel and copper creates a dynamic interplay of textures and tones, symbolising strength and resilience. The etchings include flowing script and stylised designs, evoking the lyrical and poetic spirit of Wales. This panel, integrated into the dragon sculpture, stands as a testament to the power of language and art in shaping Welsh identity and pride.

One of the paintings on the Great Welsh Dragon sculpture by Julia O'Sullivan celebrates the iconic Tom Jones alongside Castell Coch, a picturesque Welsh castle. The artwork cleverly weaves elements of Welsh fairy tales into its design, with small, intricate details from each story subtly incorporated. From mythical creatures dancing in the castle grounds to enchanted forests and magical symbols, the painting creates a layered narrative that honours both the legendary singer and the folklore that defines Welsh culture. The vibrant composition brings together history, mythology, and modern artistry in a rich tapestry of Welsh identity.

The wings of the Great Welsh Dragon sculpture, crafted from steel and copper, are a masterpiece of delicate design. Their intricate, open work structure allows light to pass through, casting dynamic patterns that dance across the dragon and highlight its other features. Embedded within the sculpture are handmade glass beads and copper coins, their shimmer catching the light and adding texture and depth to the dragon’s form. The graceful, airy design of the wings contrasts with the dragon’s powerful presence, drawing attention to the artistry and craftswomanship throughout the sculpture while allowing its many detailed elements to shine.

The Great Welsh Dragon features a captivating painting of the famous Welsh tale of Devil's Bridge, created by Julia O'Sullivan. The artwork vividly portrays the legendary story, where the devil is said to have created the bridge in a single night. The dramatic scene depicts the rugged landscape of the Welsh countryside, with swirling clouds and a tumultuous river beneath the bridge, evoking the mythical and mysterious nature of the tale. This painting, one of many woven into the dragon's design, celebrates Welsh folklore, adding another layer of storytelling to the sculpture’s rich tapestry of culture and history.

The Great Welsh Dragon sculpture features a striking painting of the Bells of Aberdyfi, with the enchanting Portmeirion village celebrated within the scene. Created by Julia O'Sullivan, this artwork captures the iconic image of the bells ringing out across the picturesque landscape of Aberdyfi, a coastal village in Wales. The painting also highlights the architectural beauty of Portmeirion, with its vibrant colours and whimsical buildings set against the backdrop of lush greenery and the sea. This artistic tribute, woven into the sculpture, honours both the serene beauty of these locations and their significance in Welsh culture and heritage.

Swansea University is proud to be home to the Great Welsh Dragon sculpture, a magnificent work of art displayed in the university's Great Hall. This awe-inspiring sculpture, created by Julia O'Sullivan, stands as a tribute to Welsh history, culture, and heritage. It serves as a focal point within the Great Hall, where visitors and students alike can admire its intricate details, from the dragon’s majestic wings and copper-clad head to the richly adorned base celebrating Welsh castles and folklore. The sculpture’s presence in the Great Hall reflects the university’s deep connection to Wales and its commitment to honouring the nation’s identity.

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Wickedly Dark Art

Emrys - The Great Welsh Dragon

Explore the World Behind the Creature

The Great Welsh Dragon on YouTube