From the late 1800s eisteddfodau were important cultual events within coalmining and quarrying communities in Wales. A popular event was the Cwmorthin, Rhosydd, Wrysgan and Conglog Quarryman's Eisteddfod held in Blaenau Ffestiniog, north Wales. One of the main competitions in such events was choral singing.
A chair was the prize for the choral competition at the Cwmorthin Eisteddfod in 1880. It was presented to Cadwaladr Roberts, conductor of Moelwyn choir who won the competition that year. Unlike the traditional bardic chair, it has leather upholstery and in the fashionable antique style of the Victorian period.
