“Treasures: The Special Collections of the University of Wales Trinity Saint David” - Book launch marks UWTSD’s bicentenary

A book to mark UWTSD’s bicentenary was launched at the National Eisteddfod in Tregaron last week.  

During a special event at the University’s exhibition stand on the Eisteddfod field, “Treasures: The Special Collections of the University of Wales Trinity Saint David” edited by Professor John Morgan-Guy was officially launched.

This new fully illustrated book contains a selection from the many thousands of works housed in the Roderic Bowen Library on the University’s Lampeter campus.  The Special Collections include over 35,000 printed works, 8 medieval manuscripts, around 100 post medieval manuscripts, and 69 incunables. 

Following the book launch event, Professor John Morgan-Guy, commented:

“This is the oldest higher education collegiate institution in Wales, and in its two hundred years of history has been the recipient of many fascinating and rare manuscripts, early printed books, beautifully illustrated volumes, and rare publications from broadsheets to journals. These were largely received through the generous donations of many benefactors, including the institution’s founder Bishop Thomas Burgess of St Davids, with the collection housed today in the Roderic Bowen Library on the Lampeter campus.

This fully illustrated volume contains a selection from the many thousands of works spanning more than seven hundred years, with short essays by scholars whose knowledge and appreciation of the works are unrivalled, revealing the riches of what was once known as ‘the greatest little library in Wales.”

Speaking at the launch, Professor Medwin Hughes DL, said:

"We are launching this book during this key year of marking the bicentenary of the university's founding. What we have is a tapestry of manuscripts and books that are key to understanding the culture and history of Wales.

It's an opportunity to look back of course but more importantly it's an opportunity to look to the future and ask the question what does Wales need to create new opportunities and partnerships that celebrates and interprets our culture in a modern digital way. That is the challenge and I am sure that the University of Wales Trinity Saint David will play a role in this too."

The publication of this book is the culmination of 4 years of work for the Library and Learning Resources Executive Head of Library and Learning Resources at UWTSD, Alison Harding, said:

“I want to take this opportunity to thank all members of the team who have contributed to the success of the project.

In particular, I’d like to note those colleagues that are based within our Special Collections and Archives, without whom this book would not have been possible. Their remarkable commitment and professionalism throughout this project has highlighted the value of their work, and the key role they play in ensuring these collections are both cared for and made accessible to all.

This has also been our opportunity to showcase the joy and beauty of these collections, and their role in shaping the university, the community it serves and the wider nation.”

Director of the University of Wales Press, Natalie Williams, added:

“It is a great honour for University of Wales Press to publish this stunning and unique volume on the riches captured at University of Wales Trinity Saint David library in Lampeter. The detail and visual beauty of so many works reproduced in this book, alongside their fascinating history from areas all across the globe, is truly special. We are delighted to have worked with such a knowledgeable team to bring this book to fruition.”

Further Information

For more information please contact Arwel Lloyd, Principal PR and Communications Officer, on 07384 467076 / arwel.lloyd@uwtsd.ac.uk