A GWYNEDD artist hopes to boost tourism in Caernarfon with an ambitious piece of artwork.
Anthony Lee Morgan,22, has offered to build a red dragon monument attract visitors to the town.
“Wales doesn’t have enough dragons!” he said. “I would be honoured to build a dragon for Caernafon.”
Anthony believes that a dragon statue could increase tourism and national pride among residents.
“I want it to inspire young children and tourists who come to Wales,” he said. “As long as someone payed for the materials, I would do it for next to nothing!”
Anthony unveiled his idea at the opening of his metalwork exhibition, Duel, at Oriel Dafydd Hardy in Caernarfon.
The proposal comes after plans to build a 200ft tower with a 70 tonne dragon statue on top at Parish Hall in Chirk were unveiled earlier this year.
Eirian James, who owns Palas Print, gave the idea a cautious welcome.
“Generally, public art is a good thing, provided it is done tastefully and attractively,” she said. “Anything that helps to attract local people and tourists to Caernarfon is to be welcomed.”
Councillor Ioan Caredig Thomas, of Menai Ward said that he supported using public art projects as a way of attracting people the town.
“The location would have to be suitable,” he said. “In these days where there is a lack of funding, finances would have to be put inplace before starting the project.”
Caernarfon resident Clibe Lewys added: “I don’t think that it will have a massive impact on the tourism and scenery, but I do think that it would be nice and is a good idea.”
Duel can be seen at Oriel Dafydd Hardy until Friday, August 6. For more information contact Oriel Dafydd Hardy on 07774 730 325 or e-mail oriel@dafyddhardy.co.uk.