Melin Tregwynt heralds a new spirit in Welsh design with exclusive blankets, throws and cushions, furniture, accessories and clothing that combine authentic Welsh tradition with innovative and modern design.
The 18th century Melin Tregwynt is near the Pembrokeshire coast, in Castlemorris, between Fishguard and St David’s. The small cluster of white-washed buildings nestle unostentatiously in a picturesque spot on either side of the road, close to a stream that would have been all important in the production of cloth in the past. The mill wheel is still there, though not turning, and it would surely struggle to produce enough power for today’s busy looms.

Melin Tregwynt has been a family business since 1912. Eifion and Amanda Griffiths are the third generation working there and, from the roots of the Welsh wool tradition, they’ve built up a reputation for high quality contemporary design.  "What we did was to stick to the traditional but update designs for a contemporary market” says Eifion and Amanda adds “It’s strange really because some of our most popular ranges have come about by just happenstance”. 
Melin Tregwynt combines colours in their designs to produce a real freshness. They use the craft techniques of the Welsh doublecloth and the carthenni blanket, but have given the fabric such a modern twist that you’ll find their unique range of blankets, throws and cushions in hip hotels and design led-stores, on film and TV. The couple head up a staff of around twenty-five and sell worldwide. “We go to Japan twice a year now. They really value quality, as well as craft and tradition and appreciate that we make something very special”. 

Welsh double weave cloth, or tapestry, was very popular in the 1960s and 70s. Brightly coloured, tough wearing and reversible, every self-respecting bed had a blanket, and, if you couldn’t run to a coat, skirt or waistcoat in the geometric pattern, at least you’d have a purse or tea cosy made from it.

Recent collaborations with the fashion design label Commes des Garcon, footwear company Birkenstock and the international retailer Muji supplying fabrics based on traditional Welsh weaves demonstrates the appeal of this local product with an international market. Fabrics were selected from the Mill archive and adapted coming full circle to acknowledge previous traditions. Birkenstock are also using Melin Tregwynt fabrics on a new range of shoes to be launched in Japan this year. This Welsh mill has come far and it’s still putting its best foot forward.

Visiting and seeing the beautifully finished products is a joy, but the great thrill of a visit to Melin Tregwynt is to spend time in the building where the looms clatter rhythmically to produce magical patterns from the suspended threads. It’s noisy work but a great sense of calm and contentment pervades the mill and the welcome is always as warm as the wool. The small mill shop stocks Melin Tregwynt’s own clothing ranges as well as blankets and cushions.  You can even ensure breakfast in style with their egg cosies!

Melin Tregwynt Collection


Melin Tregwynt
Castlemorris, Haverfordwest, Pembs. SA62 5UX, UK
Phone(office): 01348 891 225
International: (+44) 1348 891 225
Email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Website: www.melintregwynt.co.uk
 

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