Casgliadau Arlein

Robe worn by the Archdruid of Gorsedd Beirdd Ynys Prydain, 1986-2009. Embroidered by Mair Roderick and Mair James. Gold lace made by Eirlys Jones, mother-in-law of Sian Aman (Meistres y Gwisgoedd).

Made in four main sections with seams at the sides and centre back. The fabric is gathered up into a wide fold on each shoulder. The sleeves consist of an inner and an outer sleeve. The outer sleeves are full and gathered and have two openings along their upper edges. The inner sleeve is fitted and the outer is stitched to it in swathes; the cuff of the inner sleeve is attached to the outer sleeve with white Velcro.

Three large buttons, covered in gold-coloured metal lace, are stitched to the upper edge of each sleeve. Hem, collar and cuffs (inner and outer) are decorated with gold-coloured metal lace (4cm wide at inner cuffs, 3.5cm wide elsewhere). The collar is a stand-up style. There are four hook and eye fasteners at the neck of the robe (one hook is missing) and 10 plastic buttons down the centre front opening.They are cream-coloured, apart from the lowest one, which is white (possibly a replacement). The button closure is hidden by a facing on the left side. There are two plastic buttons on the inner cuffs (oval buttons on left and round buttons on right cuffs). There are no button holes but stitched loops for fastening those buttons.

The robe is lined in off-white synthetic fabric (possibly nylon) and the upper area to either side of the centre opening has an interlining of polyester wadding which is quilted into the lining (extending up to the shoulder seam).