Lovespoon ()
You’re driving through the Welsh countryside with your best friend, family member or travel companion, surrounded by green rolling hills with sheep grazing in the fields. You think back to the delicious Welsh rarebit and bara brith fruit cake you shared, as well as the pints of beer or Welsh whiskey you tried. Memories of driving along the coast and exploring the city of Cardiff together fill your camera. Learning bits of the Welsh language and meeting locals, it is safe to say you’ve been charmed by this country, and you think, “what can I take home to remember this special trip?”
A Welsh lovespoon could be exactly what you’re looking for. This tradition goes back to 17th-century Wales where beautifully carved spoons were given as tokens of affection, often in a romantic gesture. The spoons would be carved with symbols representing love and friendship, and it was important for the woodworking to show the skill of the carver. Some believe that the origins of the lovespoon come from the carved “cawl” spoon, which was used to sip Welsh broth. Today, the tradition goes beyond just romance and often, spoons are gifted for special events like birthdays, anniversaries or the birth of a child. Certain symbols represent different things, such as the horseshoe meaning good luck or a ship hoping for a smooth passage through life.
Although you can find similar traditions and items elsewhere in Europe, it is believed that the tradition came from Wales. The earliest dated spoon can be found in St. Fagans National Museum of History, near the city of Cardiff. Woodcarvers and craftspeople today continue the tradition, which has expanded beyond spoons to larger pieces. One part of the lovespoon that makes it unique is how it appears to be made of multiple pieces of wood but is actually crafted from only one.
Where to Find Lovespoons
Although you could easily find a lovespoon online or even at different souvenir shops, seek out some of these shops and galleries to truly appreciate the craft and artists who are continuing the tradition today. If you’re taking a road trip around Wales, why not make it a lovespoon tour and stop along the way to explore lovespoon shops and see different designs and meet craftspeople? Many shops will offer personalized items such as name engravings or symbols.
The Lovespoon Workshop: Try your hand at making your own thanks to the resources and ideas from The Lovespoon Workshop, located near Tenby of Pembrokeshire. This family business has been hand carving spoons since 1975.
Welsh Love Spoons: Located in the southern valleys of Wales, woodcarvers handcraft a range of intricately designed lovespoons. Carvers use lime wood from Monmouthshire to create their pieces.
The Lovespoon Gallery: See over 300 unique lovespoons at the gallery in Mumbles, Swansea. This one-of-a-kind gallery holds the largest collection of these spoons from artists all around Wales and has been sharing and selling these pieces since 1987.
Welsh Lovespoon Studio: This family-run business in South Wales offers both lovespoons and Celtic wall art, carved by designer Phil Arnold. They are inspired by traditions of the Celtic Nations, creating beautifully designed gifts for any occasion.
