Collect – Heanau Llechi Exhibition Plinth
Heanau Llechi—the layering of slate—forms the conceptual and material heart of this exhibition plinth created for Collect. Drawing from the rich geological and cultural heritage of Wales, the piece interprets slate not simply as a building material, but as a vessel of memory, identity, and creativity. Slate terraces, carved from the Welsh landscape over generations, carry the stories of labour, industry, and artistry. These natural strata, formed over millions of years, become a symbolic bridge between the land and the people who shape it.
The plinth reflects this connection. Its structure mirrors the stacked, uneven rhythm of quarried slate, expressing the tension between natural formation and human craftsmanship. It stands as both a sculptural object and a poetic statement—an exploration of how environment and creativity intertwine. Just as Welsh sculptors carve meaning from raw slate, poets draw inspiration from the layered histories and linguistic traditions embedded in the land. The plinth becomes a meeting point for these disciplines, grounding contemporary work in a deep cultural lineage.
By embodying the geological and cultural “layers” of Wales, the design emphasises continuity, resilience, and the enduring dialogue between landscape and maker. It celebrates slate not only as material, but as metaphor—an anchor for artistic expression across generations.
