The Arts and Crafts influence seen in Dylan’s modest Welsh house (above) has, by now, moved beyond the leafy garden walls of the wealthy South East of England. It has become a hallmark of the fast-growing suburban housing development fuelled initially by the extended rail and tube networks. This era still retained good walkable neighbourhoods, fanning out as they often did, from the train station. 

Delving into Dylan’s poetry, it is striking how much he gleaned from the people around him. From the pipe-smoking uncle, snoozing before the fireplace, to the Park keeper whom he terrorised as a boy in Cwm Donkin Park, observing its characters. (‘Hunchback in the Park’). 

The Kardomah boys, of whom Dylan was one, met in Swansea pubs and café (below) of the same name, in Castle Street. Meeting regularly, they inspired themselves with the latest in poetry, art, music, Stravinsky, Einstein and Picasso. All this, within easy walking or tram distance of the house. These creative interactions were made possible because of the compact neighbourhoods, all connected to the town, (now city) centre, full of activity; workplaces, cafés, schools, chapels, shops, offices and people. In other words: full of MIXED USES.