Art Treasures Come To Wrexham In New Exhibition

A new exhibition has opened at the Wrexham Museum showcasing works of some of the greatest artists who have sought to portray the majesty and presence of castles in the landscape of Wales.

Wales is known for its castles throughout the world and have been part of the Welsh brand, not always by choice, for over two hundred years attracting artists, travellers, tourists and day trippers seeking an escape from their everyday lives and a glimpse of times past.

Initially a symbol of royal power and occupation, Wales has reclaimed its castles and packaged them for the pleasure and education of others.

The new exhibition entitled “Real and Imagined: Castle in the Welsh Landscape” in Gallery 2 at Wrexham County Borough Museum, showcases works of some of the greatest artists who have sought to portray the majesty and presence of castles in the landscape of Wales.

The exhibition includes fine art and applied art from the collections of Amgueddfa Cymru – National Museum Wales and Llyfrgell Genedlaethol Cymru – The National Library of Wales.

The exhibition reveals how Welsh castles provided inspiration for artists of international standing such as J M W Turner, Paul Sandby and Kyffin Williams.

Works on display in north–east Wales for the first time include:

• Caernarfon Castle by Paul Sandby, c. 1770
• Dolbadarn Castle by J M W Turner, 1799/1800
• Dolwyddelan Castle by Kyffin Williams, 1985
• Ceramics by Swansea Pottery, Royal Worcester and John Piper

Paul Hernon, historian and guest curator of the exhibition said “These paintings by J M W Turner and Kyffin Williams, both from the collections of the National Library of Wales, once again, have allowed Wrexham County Borough Museum to display works of exceptional importance to the history of art in Wales and which also have an importance which is far beyond that of the provincial or local.

“Any gallery in the world would be proud to display these pieces upon their walls.”

Jonathan Gammond, Acccess & Interpretation Officer added “For those who would like to know more we will be exploring the history of Welsh castles during the exhibition, with the assistance of the many artists who have produced oils, watercolours and prints of these fascinating buildings over the past three hundred years.

To find out more (and keep in touch for future events!) you can follow Wrexham Museums on Facebook by clicking here…

Real and Imagined: Castles in the Welsh Landscape opens on January 26th and will remain on show until July 4th 2015.