I would like to start by thanking everyone who entered the Dylan At Home photography competition. The entries were fun, creative and thoughtful and it was a difficult process choosing a winner. The decision was mainly mine, however I did have a helping hand. I was able to undertake the difficult task of whittling down entries to the images below with the help of my dad Trefor, who is staying with us during lockdown, and my ten-year-old son Charlie. I was also able to draw on the expertise of our very own Andrew Dally who is an excellent photographer. I was unable to decide between two entries as I liked them both equally so decided on two as my joint winners. They both stood out because I felt they reflected the current situation and how the simple things in life are precious at this challenging time.


The first winner was Heather (@gormodoheathers) and was titled, ‘Nothing grows in our garden, only washing. And babies.’ I adored the simplicity of the child in the garden holding her cuddly toy that matches her outfit, pointing at something and leaving me wondering what had caught her attention. Then there is the snoozing dog so comfortable and relaxed with his little human friend. It’s such a relatable scene and could have been taken in my own back garden. It truly captures the innocence and inquisitiveness of childhood and works perfectly alongside the wonderful quote from Under Milk Wood.


The second winner was Amanda Jenkins (@wellingtonmand) and was titled, ‘And books which told me everything about the wasp, except why’. Again, I enjoyed that it was appreciating the simpler things in life. Reading with a cup of tea and surrounded by the sounds and smells of nature. It would have been a perfect writing retreat for my grandfather himself. I noticed the attention to detail as well with the little extras such as a thoughtful selection of books written by Dylan, about Dylan and then the CD showing another talented Welsh man inspired by his life and work. The Dylan mug was a lovely touch too.

While I chose two winners, I would also like to congratulate the people that took the photos below.


Fran Palacio’s clever image of the whisky and books suggesting the continuous battle my grandfather had balancing his life and work and how precariously balanced it was.

Donna Lloyd’s stunning image of a bird in flight that had already grabbed my attention when I had seen it on Facebook.

Dannyboy1916 with his beautiful photo of the delicate image of a robin. It almost looks like there are two shadows.

Crafting Onion’s photo that brought a smile to my face as I imagined Cherry Owen drinking down a fish.

Lidia Chiarelli – I have chosen to include two of Lidia’s images, although all of her entries were excellent. She captures through her photography her love and appreciation of Dylan Thomas’s words.

BVS_KSmith – I chose the image of a boy running through the wood towards the lights as it made me think about my grandfather as a young boy running in and out of the trees at Cwmdonkin Park.

IP Callaway’s image of a cute and clearly mischievous dog won be over, and I hope he/she is a very spoilt pup.

Sara Loveridge’s collage inspired by Especially When the October Wind was very original, and I liked it because it included items closely associated with my grandfather’s poetry and the seaside towns where he was at his happiest.

Wendy Palser’s delightful image of a blossoming tree and red sky effortlessly represented her chosen Dylan Thomas words “And the sun grew round that very day. So, it must have been after the birth of the simple light.’

Again, I would like to thank you for all your breath-taking entries to the competition and the thought and effort you all put it to each image, especially while we are living through such unusual times. Through your photos I feel I was given a sneak preview into your lives and I feel honoured to have been given that opportunity.

Hannah Ellis – May 2020