Cicorc Conwy

The cicorc (cork dog) - a charming maritime tradition of Victorian Conway...

Before setting off on longer than usual voyages, sailors would have ‘one’ last drink in their local pub before embarkation onto their ships and boats. They would enjoy a favourite tipple, smoke a pipe and sometimes they would make a small model dog with corks and match-sticks. This tiny cork companion - known as a cicorc - would then travel with them to distant ports in exotic far-off lands and, upon their safe return, would be gifted to their children.

A limited edition series of 12, hand-made cicorc are produced annually, using the traditional materials and methods. Each is named after a nineteenth century vessel that was wrecked off the North Welsh coast. These objet-avec-courte-histoire are offered for adoption, each with accompanying information and story, presented in 'gift shop' packaging. The story explores the themes of transaction, transport and depletion, linking those ideas, poetically, to cargo, voyages and farewells.

The cicorcs shown above have all been happily rehomed. If you would like to adopt a cicorc, an edition of 10 are currenlty being offered via Plas Bodfa Objects as part of the Unus Multorum 2020 Festival. Alernatively, please contact Remy via e-mail to discuss contribution and ask to be placed on the waiting list.

'Corky' an old Cicorc found during renovation and relocation
of a hotel bar in Llandudno (courtesy private collection)

(Photographs, copyright 2015 - 2018 Remy Dean - please credit)

You can read an article about Cicorcs from Folklore Thursday HERE

Work from this series was shown as part of
Unus Multorum 2020 at Plas Bodfa, Anglesey

and the current edition of 10 is exclusively available via Plas Bodfa Objects

included in my INTER⁁VERBA exhibition at Oriel Maenofferen Gallery, 2019

and DYS PH ASI A exhibition at Oriel Maenofferen Gallery, 2017 - 2018

 at The Stable Block Gallery, Plas Tan y Bwlch, 2017

selected for the Local Artists exhibition at Galeri Betws y Coed, 2016 - 2017

 The Cellar Bar, Plas Tan y Bwlch, 2016

'The Farewell' exhibition at Oriel Pendeitsh, Caernarfon 2016

Legendary Llangollen Fairy Festival, 2016

Send Us A Postcard exhibition at Storiel, the Gwynedd Museum & Art Gallery, Bangor, 2016

and were first shown at Haus of Helfa and Llawn03, Llandudno, 2015