Carol Naden

Carol studied History of Art & English and latterly ran a deli for years - with many decades in between of making and creating. Her interest in the arts and retail experience now come together in her role as Visitor Experience Manager (retail) here at Oriel Davies.

“My favourites are family and food. Long walks, good books, yoga, cold dips and knitting-making-and-learning-stuff keep me going.”

WHAT YOU LIKE ABOUT WHAT ORIEL DAVIES DOES:

For many years I visited OD as a haven of contemporary culture within the Welsh Marches – always an uplifting experience – for all ages.

Now working here, I believe this remains OD’s essential USP. I hope the shop reflects the remarkable variety of talented makers and artists we have in this area – always with an eye on good design and ethical practice.

This bright, modern space, a varied and inclusive programme and a warm welcome continues to inspire and bring real pleasure to regulars and visitors alike.

A FAVOURITE CULTURAL ARTEFACT

Perhaps I’m warping the definition of ‘artefact’ somewhat, but WOOL is a part of my everyday. It is my go-to for making and creating, for wearing, insulating and sleeping under. But much more than that.

The wool trade has always and continues to inform both agriculture and architecture on the English-Welsh border; from the over-grazed hills blanketed with sheep to the obvious former wealth of wool-trading towns such as Shrewsbury and Ludlow.

And here in Newtown, the legacy of the flannel industry - reflected in many of the great buildings, and the recent uncertainty of the wool-grading depot (the largest in the UK for British Wool) as the industry spins on.

Wool is literally all around us – woven deeply into the rural and urban landscape.