HISTORIC Melin Teifi at the National Wool Museum in Drefach Felindre has been acquired by Amgueddfa Cymru (Museum Wales) ahead of closing their doors next year after four decades of traditional weaving.

Melin Teifi was established in 1982 by Raymond and Diane Jones following the closure of Cambrian Mills, where they had both worked for 18 years.

Two years later, Melin Teifi took up accommodation on the site of the old Cambrian Mills, which is home to the National Wool Museum, and have played an integral role in the visitor experience at the museum ever since.

Wool was historically the most important and widespread of Wales's industries and the museum plays a key role in keeping the tradition of wool weaving alive through maintaining and operating historic machinery and through the work they carry out with their craftspeople.

There are now only a handful of working wool mills remaining in Wales, and as a result of Amgueddfa Cymru’s acquisition of Melin Teifi, the machinery and equipment will remain in situ and will be protected, maintained and used to continue with the tradition of wool-making in Wales.

“I think what the museum is doing now is so important,” said Mr Jones. “They’re going to take the industry forward, bring in people to learn and run this factory, and keep the industry alive for the future.

“Drefach Felindre has been involved in the woollen industry for centuries. The fact that the museum is here shows that it is at the heart of the woollen industry, so it is very important that it keeps going.”

Ann Whittall, Head of the National Wool Museum said: “The acquisition of these historic looms and machinery by Amgueddfa Cymru will ensure that the tradition of wool weaving in Wales will be protected for future generations.

“It will enable our craftspeople to continue their training and develop their skills as they produce high quality Welsh woollen blankets.”