Why the fascination with Dylan Thomas?

2014 is the year in which the Swansea-born poet and playwright Dylan Thomas would have turned 100 years old.
In order to the mark the occasion, a vast number of events and performances have been organised in addition to the celebratory festival which takes place in the city each year.

But just why is he still such a relevant and celebrated figure so many years after his death, not only in Swansea but around the world? Why should we still care about his work?

Born in 1914 in Uplands, Swansea, Thomas started to write from an early age. Several of his poems were published in various magazines and newspapers and his first volume of poetry was published when he was just twenty years old.

Dylan Thomas statue in the Marina By Alicia Nugent

Uplands by Alicia Nugent

Amongst many other things, he also wrote broadcasts and of course penned well-known works such as A Child’s Christmas in Wales and Under Milk Wood.

As Swansea inspired and is mentioned in much of his work, it could be said that residents of the city feel a sense of sentimental attachment and pride towards him.

Many of his former haunts such as Cwmdonkin Park and the house where he grew up, encourage tourism to the local area, therefore the city is still very much benefitting from his legacy.

Dylan Thomas’ house in Uplands, Swansea By Alicia Nugent

Perhaps it was his notorious reputation as an ‘unpredictable drunk’ that makes audiences think fondly of him or perhaps it was because he achieved a great deal in such a short life- in doing so, he brought the image of Wales and more specifically Swansea to global attention.

 

Numerous buildings such as schools and theatres have been named after the writer and in his centenary year a biopic starring Elijah Wood was filmed, documenting his transition to New York. Whatever the reason may be, the city’s love affair with the poet continues to grow and doesn’t show any signs of stopping yet.

 

The Dylan Thomas Theatre by Alicia Nugent

‘Dylan’s Swansea’ by Alicia Nugent

Why do you think that Dylan Thomas is still so celebrated today? Leave a comment!

What does Swansea have to offer?

St David’s Day 2014 has seen the launch of a new set of television adverts from Visit Wales, encouraging people to choose the country as the destination of a short break or holiday.  Accompanied by a Welsh lullaby sung by Cerys Matthews, the advert showcases picturesque images of some of the best things that Wales has to offer, including Caernarfon Castle in Snowdonia, biking in Gethin Woodlands in the South Wales Valleys and dolphin spotting on the coast of Ceredigion.

But imagine if the tourist board were making an advert about Swansea. What do we have to offer potential tourists to the city?  According to research conducted by Swansea Council, in 2012, Swansea received over 4.1million visitors to the area, many of which are from other places in the UK and others as far afield as America and Australia.

 

Here are just a few of the city’s best offerings based on what tourists and residents have said:

Swansea Bay By Alicia Nugent

 

Rhossili Beach

Rhossili beach on the Gower coast is so impressive that it has not only been voted the number one beach in the UK, it has been voted the ninth best beach in the whole WORLD according to a poll conducted by TripAdvisor.  If that doesn’t warrant a visit, what does!?

Charlotte Williams who studied at Swansea University, loves visiting Rhossilli and the other beaches in Gower as “the coastal paths are especially pretty in the summer”.  Hayley Parker, also a former student  agrees, and said “I love being outdoors and near the sea, so I really enjoy going to Rhossili.”

Along with the rest of the Gower coast, Rhossili was declared an outstanding area of natural beauty back in 1956 and is extremely popular with surfers and water sports enthusiasts.  The beach is also home to a shipwreck dating back to 1887, which is still visible during low tide. Although most people would associate visiting a beach with summer time, a visit on a crisp winter’s day  is equally as appealing provided you wrap up warm!

 

The LC

Described as ‘South Wales’ premier attraction, the LC is a leisure centre situated in the centre of Swansea and is home to Wales’ biggest indoor water park.  The centre which is an ideal rainy-day destination, was re-opened in 2008 by the Queen after it received a £32 million makeover.  The LC has a variety of different pools and slides and even features the ‘Boardrider’- a continuous wave simulator which enables thrill-seekers to body board or practise their surfing.

The LC indoor waterpark By Alicia Nugent

Birthplace of Dylan Thomas- 5 Cwmdonkin Drive

The house where Dylan Thomas was born, is nestled amongst the back streets of The Uplands and has been restored to what it would have originally looked like when the poet lived there.  You can organise a tour of the house and even hire it to be used as accommodation whilst you are in the city. In addition, regular events are held in the house and you can even have an ‘evening dinner’ catered for in the comfort of Dylan’s very own dining room.

‘A man of words’ – The birth place of Dylan Thomas’ By Alicia Nugent

Dylan Thomas’ house in Uplands, Swansea By Alicia Nugent

 

The National Waterfront Museum

The National Waterfront Museum blends historical artefacts with new cutting edge technology to tell the story of industry and innovation in Wales during the past 300 years.

Part of the museum is dedicated to the types of transport and machinery that were used throughout the last three decades.  Many of the items exhibited were actually invented and pioneered in Wales, whilst other items on display were developed elsewhere in the world but contributed greatly to Welsh industry.

In addition to the permanent articles on display, there are also temporary exhibitions and events organised throughout the year.

National Waterfront Museum By Alicia Nugent

Wind street

Something for the youngsters, or at least the young at heart!  This is where you will find the majority of the city centres’ bars, pubs, clubs and restaurants. The street comes alive at night, especially during the weekend and on a Wednesday which is extremely popular with students.

Catrin Williams, a student from Swansea said:  “I always have a good night when I go to Wind Street as there are so many bars and clubs to choose from.  There is always a great atmosphere.”

Some of the establishments on Wind Street have had many different uses over the years and it is not until you pay a visit during the day that you can appreciate the grandness and beauty of some of the buildings.

Above:A quieter Wind Street during the day Below: a gallery of other places of interest in Swansea. By Alicia Nugent

Joe’s Ice cream parlour By Alicia Nugent

Swansea Museum By Alicia Nugent

The Meredian Tower By Alicia Nugent

Oystermouth Castle By Alicia Nugent

Swansea Marina By Alicia Nugent

Click here for a detailed map of where you can find all of the above places.  

Memories of Swansea ‘shared’ online

Swansea residents have been taking a keen interest in their in their local culture and heritage through the emergence of online forums on social media pages, which look back the city’s achievements- which include having the world’s first passenger railway system and being the birthplace of poet and playwright Dylan Thomas.

A Facebook page called ‘So You Think you Know Swansea’ has sprung up and asks users to post both old and new photos, and to discuss and share memories of the city.

The site which has gained thousands of members in next to no time, has often proven itself to be a source of local news and gossip, with members going slightly off topic and indulging in speculation about incidents and news stories, which at times, have yet to even reach the news desk of the press.

Sitting pretty: One of the old trams used on the Mumbles Railway in its new home in The Tram Shed, which is part of Swansea Museum. Photo by Alicia Nugent

Louise John, 49, a member of the group, joined in order to find out more about the heritage of the city where she lives.

She said: “For me, the site has been a real eye-opener about what a rich history we have here in Swansea.

“I find it fascinating to look at old photos that get posted on the page because normally so many people comment and share their personal memories that are related to the image.”

History forum pages are not exclusive to Swansea, with copycat groups popping up across the country.  An increase in the number of local history books that have been recently published also reflects the interests of those who use the forums, as in addition to theses and academic journals, there are a large number of pictorial books full of images and ‘reminisces’.

Literature: An example of some of the books available about Swansea. Photo by Alicia Nugent

Whilst these factors make it look like there is an increase in people immersing themselves in their local history, a representative of The British Association for Local History (BALH) said that the interest “is far from new”.

She added that local history “has long been fostered by local societies, the Workers Education Association and schools of continuing education or lifelong learning, formerly known as University Extra-Mural Departments’”.

History societies have been existed in Swansea since the nineteenth century with the membership of most still going strong today.  These groups often produce a professionally-published journal or a newsletter, enabling the results of their research to reach a wider audience.

In recent years, The Heritage Lottery fund has also allowed an increase in the number of local projects such as digital archives, heritage centres and exhibitions.  In turn, more and more resources have become available for those wanting to find out more about the place where they come from.

Although there are the resources mentioned above and so many more such as photo galleries and museums, not all members of the public have the time to dedicate to research.  Until then, Facebook groups are proving to be the perfect way for many to dip in and out of history within the comfort of their own homes and will hopefully encourage the younger generation to become more involved in local history.

Many thanks to the West Glamorgan Archives and the British Association for Local History.