The Dance of Life

These images show sections of a mural called The Dance of Life by Mildred Eldridge. Although now little-known in her own right, she was married to the poet R. S. Thomas.

The mural is a huge piece of work in six sections depicting man’s alienation from nature and the attempt to reclaim a lost natural wisdom. It was begun in Montgomeryshire and finished in 1956 in Eglwysfach, between Aberystwyth and Machylleth. Currently in storage at Gobowen Hospital near Oswestry awaiting a home, it will feature on the programme O Flaen dy Lygaid on S4C on Tuesday night (18th May) at 9pm.

The couple’s son, Gwydion Thomas, is quoted as saying, “I think that somebody should shift themselves and find a building for it in Wales. It should be on show”.

Given the Ceredigion connection, could it be displayed in Aberystwyth? Maybe it would fit on one of the large walls in the new Council offices or the Town Hall when that becomes a library or even Bronglais Hospital which runs an arts scheme. Just floating the idea...