Writers reveal National Library of Wales treasures in 62 words at National Eisteddfod of Wales.

Gillian Clarke, the national poet of Wales, is among 26 writers and 26 translators who collaborated on a project to encourage people to take a different, non-scholarly, look at the precious objects in the National Library of Wales’ collection. The results of the project – which forms this year’s Translators House Wales Translation Challenge competition – will be revealed along with the challenge winner, at the National Eisteddfod, Wrexham, on Friday 5 August at 11am.

The collaboration between writers collective 26, the National Library of Wales, and Tŷ Newydd Writers’ Centre, sees 26 writers – 13 writing in Welsh, 13 in English – paired with 26 objects in the Library’s collection. Each participant has written exactly 62 words in response to their object, with the aim of telling the stories behind the objects and inspiring visitors to the Library (or viewers of the collections online) to see the treasures in a new light. 

Writers were paired at random with the objects – from a film of Lloyd George meeting Hitler to a self portrait by Shani Rhys-James – and given six weeks to come up with their response.

Since then, 26 translators have been translating the English language contributions into Welsh, and vice versa – using only 62 words. The pieces of writing will be displayed with the “treasure” on the 26 Treasures website at www.26treasures.com and at the National Eisteddfod. The best translation will be awarded this year’s Translators House Wales Translation Challenge Bardic Staff, which is sponsored by Cymdeithas Cyfieithwyr Cymru (The Association of Welsh Translators and Interpreters).

Arwel Jones, Director of Public Services, The National Library of Wales, said: "This project goes to the heart of what the National Library of Wales is all about. We safeguard the nation's treasures so that they can inspire anew. It's been a pleasure."

Sally Baker, Executive Director of Tŷ Newydd, said: "This is such an exciting project for Tŷ Newydd. We can wear both our hats at the same time; Tŷ Newydd, the Writers' Centre, supporting new writing and Translators' House Wales, encouraging literary translation. Plus we have the added pleasure of being able to work in partnership with the National Library of Wales, 26 Writers' Group and Cymdeithas Cyfieithwyr Cymru."

John Simmons, one of the founders of 26, added: "26 Treasures releases well-crafted and deeply felt words about precious objects. These give us all unexpected and personal insights into the Library's collection."

The project is being run parallel to projects in Scotland with the National Museum of Scotland in Edinburgh, and in Northern Ireland with the Ulster Museum in Belfast. The idea is based on a highly successful project that was run last year with members of 26 and the V&A Museum in London.  Find out more about the projects at www.26treasures.com, Twitter @26Treasures.

The Writers who’ve Composed and their Translators 

Press contacts: 

Sion Jobbins, Marketing Officer, The National Library of Wales: 01970 632902 sion.jobbins@llgc.org.uk 
Anita Holford, Writing Services (member of 26 and project participant): 01600 713758 anita@writing-services.co.uuk
John Simmons, founder member 26 and project organiser: 07976916502 johnsimmons@blueyonder.com
Sally Baker, Director, Tŷ Newydd Writers’ Centre. 01766 522811 post@tynewydd.org