Our landscapes are just the things to get the creative juices flowing. Which would explain why North Wales has a long-standing tradition in the visual arts. And why some of the world's best art collections boast a Welsh scene or two.
No-one does Wales quite like Isle of Anglesey-born Sir Kyffin Williams. The distinctive work of our most famous (and probably best-loved) artist is on permanent exhibition at Oriel Ynys Mon, Llangefni.
‘Father of British Landscape Painting' Richard Wilson became a major influence on other artists – Turner and Constable included. Today, his Welsh paintings grace some of the world's best collections.
It's not just our native artists with an eye for our surroundings. The incredible views around Betws-y-Coed were a big draw for English artists in the 19th century. So much so, in fact, they set up the Betws-y-Coed Artist Colony – the first in Wales.
‘Painter of light' JMW Turner liked nothing better than to paint the North Wales landscape, so today, you can see ‘Dolbadern Castle' at The Tate Gallery in London, and ‘Conway Castle, North Wales' at the John Paul Getty Museum, Los Angeles.
If that sounds like a long way to go to see North Wales, how about something a little closer to home? Charles Tunnicliffe spent over 30 years illustrating Anglesey's wildlife – see his work at Oriel Ynys Môn.
There's more to see at our other galleries. Oriel Mostyn, Llandudno – the largest publicly-funded art gallery in Wales. Royal Cambrian Academy, Conwy – exhibiting since 1882. Ruthin Craft Centre – unleashing its major redesign this summer. Plas Newydd, Anglesey – home to the biggest collection of the work of Rex Whistler. Penrhyn Castle, Bangor – home to the best private art collection in Wales. National Portrait Gallery and Royal Academy of Arts collections at Bodelwyddan Castle. And you can see the work of local artists and craft makers through initiatives like the Anglesey Craftworkers' Guild and Helfa Gelf.
Related Links:
www.attractionsnorthwales.co.uk
www.eventsnorthwales.co.uk
This attraction is Visitor Attraction Quality Assurance Service (VAQAS) approved.
Bodelwyddan Castle is a regional partner of the National Portrait Gallery, London. 19th century collections at the Castle include works by George Frederic Watts, John Singer Sargent and Ford Madox Brown as well as furniture from the Victoria and Albert Museum, and sculpture from the Royal Academy of Arts.
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