The man who could send Wales into space

Made in Wales: Hefin Jones, Goldsmiths University design graduate modelling his creation. Credit: Goldsmiths, University of London

Design graduate Hefin Jones has won an award for his space suit design, which is made entirely from Welsh-sourced materials, and has been crafted by Welsh workers.

Jones' creation, called 'The Welsh Space Campaign', is the winner of the Christine Risley Award at Goldsmiths, University of London.

A Welsh plumber built the pressure system inside the spacesuit, while a native traditional clog maker crafted space clogs. Even the material used to make the suit has been sourced from the last remaining wool mills in Wales.

Suiting up: Hefin Jones' space suit is made from Welsh wool - and contains a pressure system made by a Welsh plumber. Credit: Goldsmiths, University of London

Jones said he created the suit in a bid to find a "cosmic context" for his birthplace and to prove Wales is capable of space exploration.

Earth to Wales: Jones' space suit will be exhibited in London before being moved to the Welsh National Museum Archive. Credit: Goldsmiths, University of London

His space suit will be exhibited in the Constance Howard Gallery at Goldsmiths from 24 September until 24 October, before it is returned to its birthplace to become part of the Welsh National Museum Archive.

Jones will be presented with the Christine Risley Award - a cash prize - on 10 October in memory of the pioneering textiles teacher, whose special collection of clothes helped to fund acquisitions for the university.

It is not yet known if NASA has been in touch.