Man, Myth and Museum

Book excerpt: This is the first book to critically examine the professional work of the pioneer of open-air museums in Britain and the self-proclaimed founder of the Welsh Folk Museum at St. Fagans, and a major figure in Welsh cultural life. This book places Peate’s life in the context of Welsh history and assesses his impact on helping to create a particular view of Welsh culture, placing great emphasis on the importance of the Welsh-speaking rural craftsman and ignoring the contribution of industry to Welsh life. It makes extensive use of quotation, synopsis and translation, for the first time giving non-Welsh speakers access to his Welsh-language publications about museums and folk life.