Catching up Special

In all, I think there’ve been 38 comments over five recent posts on the new Canolfan Crefftau Rhuthun/Ruthin Craft Centre, 24 of which were attached to the post Landmark or Pile of Junk? a post started after two critical letters appeared in a local newspaper even before the centre opened.

The comments did get a little personal and for the first time ever, three were removed at the request of readers. Leaving all this aside, here are some of the main points raised in the posts, about the building, the art space and café .

‘The "new" Craft Centre is our chance to put Ruthin on the map not just locally or even nationally, but globally.’
‘The building is a very clever and considered response to the site’s context and more importantly the desire of the client to have a building that is best able to showcase the art it exhibits.’

‘Whilst I question the… letter writers [in the Free Press], it is surely the Editor of the newspaper that should be castigated for giving column inches to this negative and unfounded diatribe.’
‘God bless her and all who sail in her....’

‘If you want an industrial estate to show off your exhibits then don't come to Ruthin.’

‘I am surprised… that [the Free Press] didn’t run their comment on something like the Dawn of a New Era for Ruthin… shame on them. At least the Free Press ended positively by saying “the controversy may actually help its popularity in the long run”. Hang on, what controversy?’

‘It’s fresh and something to be proud of. I hope it gets the support that it deserves.’
‘Why hasn't the end result been properly featured in both papers? I remember the front page coverage regarding the possible move of the craft centre and this is bigger than that. Let’s hope they put this right asap.’ [It did not].

‘There is no doubt that the new craft centre will not be everyone's cup of tea—nothing ever is. Beauty, after all, is in the eye of the beholder. I have no experience re. architecture. I just know what I like—and I really like the new craft centre.’
‘It’s good that an important building such as this has generated debate and public interest… I rather think it’s an admirable building and we are lucky to have it in Ruthin. The art and craft displayed so well within it makes it a great destination for locals and visitors alike.’

‘My comments [in the Free Press] were about the exterior of the building and since the publication of that letter it appears my view of the exterior is shared by many.’
‘I hope that anyone living outside Rhuthun will not get the wrong impression. It really is a lovely town, with lovely people and (in my humble opinion) a Craft Centre well worth a visit.’

‘People are going to be really stunned when the get inside. The building’s outside appearance is quite low key and protective—a response to the roads around it? But when you get inside it is dramatic and inviting.’

‘Yes well done the team from the Craft Centre. I am looking forward to seeing the place in the flesh… and let’s hope this one lasts longer than the last building! I hope it has been a good investment... after all we (the public) pay for these buildings in a round about way!’

‘Bravo Ruthin Craft Centre. And what a lucky town we are!!! It should be mandatory for every Ruthin resident to visit this just once (they will be back!).’
‘You say they were Philistines, Non Liquet? But perhaps they were just Bohemians. “Chacun à son goût”, don't forget [To each his own taste].’

‘This is a brilliantly witty post, Non Liquet. You should be a journalist’. [Sorry. Couldn't resist]

‘Two coffees and one ham sandwich to share £9.60 and that was about the cheapest thing we could get. VERY overpriced.’

‘I have just enjoyed a wonderful breakfast bagel, which was both tasty, well-presented and keenly priced. The café is buzzing and a friendly and relaxing place to enjoy quality food freshly prepared. If you want cheap there are plenty of alternatives.’