It is as you cross the road that the most exciting part of the project begins to unfold before you. From the outside the furnace will retain its current façade, but as you proceed through the entrance and along to the right, descend to the casting floor and activity replaces quiet

YCG felt from the outset that it was important, if the project was to be exciting, innovative but above all viable, then it was essential that the furnace breathed new life and not just reminisce on past achievements, however mindful that we must remain faithful to the architectural and functionality of the furnace it is proposed that the ground floor area of the furnace house a small scale artisans pottery. Ceredigion has a long and varied history of potteries, brickworks and limeworks, in addition, Aberystwyth University Ceramics Collection is a centre holding one of the largest collections of British studio pottery in the United Kingdom.It has been asserted to be the birthplace of studio pottery, Contact with this strong artisan base has been initiated and it is from here that further ideas, concrete plans and suitable personnel to assist in the setting up and day to day running of the venture would be sourced.

The free standing kiln would be placed in the base of the chimney, independent of the fabric of the chimney, the chimney would be fully protected from and adverse heat produced from the kiln itself or the flue gasses. Potters wheels would be innovatively powered from the furnace water wheel, as would the Kiln. Items produced would be sold on site and as reputation grew through our website and other outlets. Einion Pottery (many other names lend themselves to this venture; Furnace Pottery, Artists Valley Pottery, etc) would be an educational as well as a commercial venture, providing pottery master classes to schools, colleges and other organisations and individuals.

In the casting floor itself where the moulds for the “pigs” were situated eye-catching and informative notices, not necessarily on boards but something more innovative and possibly interactive would retell the story of the furnaces birth and juvenile years perhaps replica pig moulds with replicas of the tools associated with the handling and movement of these heavy ingots would give a hands on feel to the tour. Further information and lively engaging displays would be incorporated into this area

The tour/individuals would then move along the front of the furnace, winding up past the moving waterwheel, perhaps plugged into an mp3, hired from us/ or having downloaded the tour for their own mp3 player from our website (small charge), listening to the exciting tale of past industrial revolution wonders, As the tour moves past the view to the falls, an extended walkway could be constructed, almost floating over the water on stilt legs, wheelchair accessible, which brings the tour over the river, towards the falls and sweeping up to the rear of the furnace, this would add some real excitement to the tour, again the mp3 always adding an exciting commentary.

Either ascend the walkway or the metal railed steps and arrive onto the open area at the rear entrance to the charging room (left in this picture) Within the charging room we are again confronted with great opportunity for an innovative and informative exhibition of the furnaces past glories, however once again these displays and artefacts will be brought bang into the 21st century by the addition of a small scale, working, artisans blacksmiths. The tradition of blacksmiths with the local area, and indeed within Eglwys Fach (at least two working blacksmiths at the turn of the last century) is a strong one. Bellows would once again fill from the power of the water wheel, items produced would be sold in the shop and once again as Dyfi Furnace Smithy became well known good would be sold from our website and other outlets.

Furnace Foundry (or similar named) would also offer courses and classes to all, from school to colleges, individuals to historical societies. Preliminary discussions have taken place with a well established artisan smithy who is very enthusiastic and absolutely convinced that such a venture would not only be successful but a great inspiration for the metalworking community. Paramount to the YCG was the need to safeguard the fabric and integrity of the Furnace, this would be ensured with stringent safety and protection measure, this would particularly apply to any involvement of the public.

The charging room is spacious enough to accommodate the smithy as well as a “soft display” and permanent exhibition; this would add to the previous display with an in-depth and tangible review of the activities which were carried out at the furnace the smells and sound of the smithy would stimulate the imagination and give the visitor a real feel for the toil and effort that went into making this building the powerhouse of past industry that it undoubtedly was!

The light streaming in from the outside beckons the visitor and they can walk outside to where a selection of tables and seating areas are waiting Refreshments and perhaps some light snacks are served from the small room to the right of the charging room, this room has existing electricity and is versatile enough to house not only a small coffee shop but also a small shop selling Furnace produced goods , bought as mementos of the visit.

• This would conclude the tour of the furnace for the visitor. The proposal presented though innovative, exciting and viable would not alter the building fabric in any way, would bring life and vitality to one of CADW’s sleeping beauties, would provide local employment and increase the number and spending muscle of new visitors, while encouraging return visits as well as word of mouth advertising. A great morning or afternoon out, full of new skills, fascinating stories and histories and an awe inspiring structure.