The childhood home of WWI Prime Minister David Lloyd George in Wales is at the centre of a Welsh Labour-led initiative aimed at “decolonising” historical narratives, as part of a broader “anti-racist” push funded by the Welsh Government.
The museum in Llanystumdwy has hired a “decolonisation consultant” and plans to incorporate LGBT themes in future exhibitions, reflecting a shift to promote a “multicultural, vibrant and diverse Wales.”
The move is part of a wider program that offers grants for projects that reshape historical perspectives to include black and minority ethnic (BAME) stories as part of the national narrative, while training staff in anti-racist practices.
However, the initiative has faced criticism from Welsh Conservatives and figures like commentator Iain Dale, who argue it detracts from core issues, like record NHS waiting lists.
The project is supported by Re:Collections, an “anti-racist consultancy” backed by the Association of Independent Museums, guiding Welsh museums to include BAME perspectives and treat them as essential parts of historical documentation.
The programme has sparked a wider debate on whether these changes constitute necessary updates to reflect diverse historical contributions or an unwelcome “woke” overhaul of Welsh heritage.
Despite the criticism, Welsh Government officials assert that the plan aligns with “anti-racist values” and aims to recognise the contributions of black, Asian, and minority ethnic communities in shaping Wales.
