Sweet and Bitter | linocut
This work draws inspiration from Alexander Cordell’s novels of Wales: ‘This Sweet and Bitter Earth’, centred on Toby Davies’ journey in the early 1900s, evolving from a young man into a coal worker in the Rhondda Valleys.
He shares the dangers and the underpaid lives of many and joins the bitter fight for their Workers Combination. His narrative intertwines with a love story with Bronwen, who with her young child struggles alongside him, trying to survive the harsh living conditions, poor pay, poverty, mining strikes and police brutality.
“...Twisting sideways under the roof of coal, I thought of sunlight a thousand feet up, and Bron, her hair shining, pegging out the washing.”
Depicted in the contrasting landscapes, from the birds flying overhead and horses roaming freely – to the gloomy life of pit ponies and caged canaries, exploring the dualities and juxtapositions shaping each character’s environment.
Left to right: Ann Jones (Tower Lodge Support Group); Sian James (Neath, Dulais and Swansea Valley Support Group) and Mair Francis (DOVE Workshop) at the exhibition 13/03/2024.
Clip 2 [00:03:05-00:03:45] from the recorded memoirs of Tom Davies (part of the South Wales Coalfield Research Project). Full interview includes the development of his interest in female impersonation; his application to join the Entertainment Corp during World War I, touring France, and the reactions of his audiences; the attitude of his father (a minister) to his career as a professional female impersonator and dancer.
Clip 3 [00:04:10-00:04:48] from the recorded memoirs of Tom Davies (part of the South Wales Coalfield Research Project). Full interview includes the development of his interest in female impersonation; his application to join the Entertainment Corp during World War I, touring France, and the reactions of his audiences; the attitude of his father (a minister) to his career as a professional female impersonator and dancer.
Clip 1 [00:00:36-00:01:00] from the recorded memoirs of Tom Davies, part of the South Wales Coalfield Research Project. Full interview includes the development of his interest in female impersonation; his application to join the Entertainment Corp during World War I, touring France, and the reactions of his audiences; the attitude of his father (a minister) to his career as a professional female impersonator and dancer.
