Portmeirion Centenary Talks 5: Elin Gruffudd

Portmeirion Centenary Talks 5: Elin Gruffudd

Hercules, the hero who raised the roof

As part of the Centenary celebrations for Portmeirion, the Susan Williams-Ellis Foundation (YSWEF), which is responsible for running the historic house and arts centre at Plas Brondanw, have organised this series of talks on aspects of the village’s history.

This talk is inspired by its setting: Hercules’ Hall in Portmeirion. Looking at the ceiling, which depicts various stages of the Greek hero’s life, Elin will explore different threads of the myth, from its origins to the famous Twelve Labours. The talk will consider themes of masculinity, social expectations and identity, and examine what it meant to be a hero in ancient Greece and beyond.

Elin Gruffydd is a film photographer from Pen Llŷn who has recently completed a BA and MA degree in Classical Studies through the Open University. In May 2025, she launched her first book: Sweet Melancholy. An odyssey from Enlli to Hydra, trwy lanw, trai a chwedlau, published by Parthian Press

Tickets are priced at £15, £20 and £25. We hope these events will generate some income for YSWEF – a charitable foundation that aims to preserve and promote the Susan Williams-Ellis and other related archives, and to promote the arts – so please pay what suits your budget. There is no difference in terms of seating or provision for the different ticket types, everyone gets the same talk. Ticket price includes admission to Portmeirion from 4pm. Doors open at 5:00pm and the talk will commence at 5:30pm. This series will be through the medium of English.