Welcome to Threads of Home, a community textile project centered around the question: 'What makes Pontypridd feel like home to you?' This project is more than just a quilt—it's a celebration of our collective understanding of home and our love for our community. Each square in the three-meter quilt is a tribute to a community member's personal story and deep connection to Pontypridd. These narratives were gathered through in-person gatherings with Growing Space and Crafty Cuppa, as well as through online submissions. The raw edges of the quilt symbolize the interwoven nature of our stories, showcasing how they come together to form the vibrant tapestry of our community. As the creator of this project, I was profoundly moved by the conversations and stories shared during its making. In response, I crafted additional quilts and blankets, each inspired by the rich emotions and connections fostered throughout this journey. Most of the textiles and pieces of furniture have been sourced from our community and local charity shops, symbolizing the threads of connection and shared memories that bind us together. So, explore, reflect, and feel the warmth of home in every stitch and story.

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Threads of Home: Soundscape

Pontypridd holds a special place in each of our hearts. I’ve woven a tapestry of these cherished tales and memories in the form of a soundscape, highlighting the common threads that connect us all.

Home isn’t just a place made of wood and brick. It’s a symphony of subtle moments: the rush of the river, the cat on your street that greets you every morning, or talking your neighbors as they tend to their garden.

Home is community
The people we surround ourselves with, who support us and encourage us to grow
The connections we nurture that blossom over time
"Walking into the Llanover Arms on any day and seeing someone we know. We feel like part of the family."
Whether we find these connections within churches, clubs, or universities, every encounter provides us with a sense of belonging
"I can't walk through town without seeing someone I know and saying hello."

Home is where love resides
A place of comfort, acceptance, and safety where friendships bloom Where we grow our families or find our chosen ones
Somewhere to turn when life becomes challenging
"I remember running away to Ponty Park whenever there was trouble at home."

Home is found in the embrace of nature
In the tranquility of the forest, the playfulness of the parks, and the mountains that cradle us It’s the sound of rain against your window or the sun peeking through the trees as it sets "The mountains on every side feel like a hug."

Home is made up of the places around Pontypridd and the memories attached to them The nostalgic echoes of childhood adventures
"I remember going to the Prince's every Tuesday in the summer holidays for a chocolate eclair." Or the places you created cherished memories with your own children
"I remember bringing my children to the paddling pool when they were young."

Home is a place of evolution a space to leave when the time feels right or return to when the heart calls
"When I was a child all I wanted was to get out of Ponty and move away, but coming back I realised that this town wasn't a trap but a haven."
It’s knowing that no matter how long you live in Pontypridd, you are home

During this three-day exhibition, I asked visitors to respond visually to the question, “What makes Pontypridd feel like home to you?” After creating their response on fabric squares, visitors used safety pins to attach their creations to one of the structure’s walls. Below are some of their responses. 

  • "The Welsh valleys accent makes Pontypridd feel cosy and cwtchy. It feels like I'm surrounded by friendly people."

  • "Ponty feels like home when I see the mountains that remind me of my home in Brecon."

  • "Pontypridd is the home of my university and where I've met some of my life long friends."

  • "Ponty is not my home - I'm not even Welsh. But I wish it was. The people are so friendly."

  • "Pontypridd feels like home as I am finding people that are like my tribe...and an amazing sense of community. I love it...!"

  • "Ponty is such a special place! Our community has such a deep love for each other and the place we call home..."