150th anniversary of Barmouth Bridge

The Approach

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My approach to this piece was centred around celebrating the heritage and structural beauty of Barmouth Bridge in a way that felt both timeless and meaningful. We chose to work with natural wood as the primary material to reflect the bridge’s historical significance and connection to its environment, allowing the grain to add warmth and authenticity to the final piece. The engraved line illustration was intentionally minimal and precise, capturing the key architectural elements of the bridge while maintaining clarity and elegance.

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I designed the composition to flow seamlessly across multiple wooden panels, symbolising both the length of the bridge and the passage of time over its 150-year history making these cup coasters the perfect product for this design.

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This segmented layout also adds an interactive and tactile quality, encouraging the viewer to engage with the piece as a physical object rather than just a visual one. The use of fine linework ensures the design remains subtle and refined, complementing the material rather than overpowering it.

The Challenges & Results

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One of the main challenges I faced with this piece was translating a highly detailed and complex structure like Barmouth Bridge into a simplified line illustration that would still be instantly recognisable. The bridge’s intricate framework required careful consideration of which details to include and which to omit, ensuring the design remained clean and legible when engraved, without losing its character.

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As a result, the final outcome is a cohesive and thoughtfully crafted commemorative piece that successfully captures the essence of Barmouth Bridge. The simplified line work enhances clarity while still reflecting the structure’s identity, and the use of wood adds a sense of authenticity and longevity. The segmented format not only reinforces the narrative of the bridge’s length and history but also creates a tactile, engaging object that feels both personal and meaningful, effectively celebrating its 150th anniversary.