A NEW online business has recently launched in the Bala area - set up by an architect who left her job to ‘champion Wales’ craft makers and artists’.

Casgliad (translates to a collection in English) was established last September by Lowri Roberts, who left her previous job as an Architect to pursue a new career.

It is an online platform where people can find and order contemporary homeware and artwork designed and made in Wales - with over half of the artists and makers on there hailing from North Wales.

Lowri, from Llandderfel, said: “I found that whilst there are a wealth of talented artists and craftspeople across Wales, many of these makers currently only promote and exhibit their work in craft centres, galleries, at craft fairs and on their own websites.

“This is where Casgliad comes in. The main idea of the business is to give artists and craft makers throughout Wales a stage to showcase their work. There was no single platform which did this before.

“I grew up on a rural, working farm in North Wales; an upbringing that instilled in me a pride for the Welsh landscape, language, heritage and its people. I developed a passion for contemporary design from an early age and subsequently trained and practised as an architect.

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Work by Gwenno Jones showcased on Casgliad.

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Elfyn Lewis is another artist associated to Casgliad.

“A desire to put a ‘Welsh stamp’ on a recent renovation project led me to seek out contemporary homeware and artwork that was made and designed in Wales.

“I am proud that we have been able to support small businesses across Wales over these unprecedented times and will continue to do so. My passion is to champion the makers and artists that we have in Wales.

“The business itself is going from strength to strength too and has grown so much since it formed six months or so ago.”

For more info on the business, go to: www.casgliad.com/