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Austin Friars

The Vision of St. Gwynllyw

also: The Bell Carrier

Sebastien Boyesen
1996

Newport - Casnewydd / The Vision of St. Gwynllyw

Description

Large bronze ox with a bell strapped to his back. The bell rests on straw and is contained in a wooden hoist. The ox stands on a stepped stone base and has mosaic tiles under with bronze semi-circle bands bearing inscription on either side.

Inscription(s)

'THE VISION OF ST. GWYNLLYW'
unveiled for newport borough council by his worshipful
the mayor of newport, councillor john jenkins february 17th 1996
councillor harry g. jones cbe leader of the council
sculpture by sebastian boyesen 1993-96

ACCORDING TO LEGEND, GWYNLLYW (ST. WOOLOS)
was converted to christianity when he was told
in a dream to search for a white ox and in this place
to build a church the original structure no longer exists
but on the same site now stands the cathedral of st. woolos
at the top of stow hill in newport

On the semi-circle bronze bands:

this agricultural ox designates that this country is to be cultivated

"about the banks of the river is a certain mountain where a white ox is seen"

Annotation

The sculpture was inspired by the legend of Gwynllyw's conversion to Christianity. Gwynllyw (in English Woolos) was was told in a dream to search for a white ox with a black spot on its forehead, and to build a church on that place as an act of penitence. The original church no longer exists but the cathedral of St. Woolos now stands on the same site at the top of Stow Hill in Newport.

Sculptor

Sebastien Boyesen (Sussex 1960), "Newport Town Sculptor" during 1993/4 (Website).

Sources & Information

Newport City Council, Public Art.
Public Monuments and Sculpture Association, National Recording Project Database.
University College for the Creative Arts, VADS (Visual Arts Data Service).

Locatie (N 51°35'12" - W 2°59'40") (Satellite view: Google Maps)

Item Code: gbwa012; Photograph: 24 July 2012
Of each statue we made photos from various angles and also detail photos of the various texts.
If you want to use photos, please contact us via the contact form (in Dutch, English or German).
© Website and photos: René & Peter van der Krogt

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