Community

Famous artwork displayed in Pembrokeshire

Published

9 years ago

April 4, 2016

ONE of the greatest masterpieces of British artwork, John Constable’s ‘Salisbury Cathedral from the Meadows’, will be on display at Oriel y Parc Gallery and Visitor Centre in St Davids between Saturday (Mar 19) and Sunday September 11.

The work of art, painted in 1831, has been displayed in various galleries and museums all around the Britain as part of its current five year UKwide tour, before it will return to Tate Britain in 2018.

‘Salisbury Cathedral from the Meadows’ depicts the impressive cathedral against a striking background of billowing clouds and a shining rainbow, with the scene being viewed from across the River Nadder.

The scene, in the past, has been interpreted by scholars as a metaphor for political pressure felt by the Church of England as well as the emotional turmoil Constable was feeling following the death of his beloved wife, and childhood friend, after the birth of their seventh child.

Shortly after her death, Constable wrote a letter to his brother stating: “Hourly do I feel the loss of my departed Angel… the face of the World is totally changed to me.”

John Constable is famous for his landscapes and many feature the Suffolk countryside where he was born and grew up. Over the years, he made many open-air sketches, using these as a basis for his large exhibition paintings, which he worked on in his studio.

Today, his pictures of popularly accepted as masterpieces of British landscape painting but during his lifetime, a debate surrounded his different and ground-breaking techniques.

Of all his paintings, ‘Salisbury Cathedral from the Meadows’ is the most loaded in meaning and the one of which he was most proud, calling it ‘The Great Salisbury’. Of the painting, he wrote: “I am told I got it to look better than anything I have yet done.”

‘Salisbury Cathedral from the Meadows’ was secured for the British public back in 2013 through the Heritage Lottery Fund, The Manton Foundation, the Art Fund, Tate Members and a contribution from the Wolfson Foundation.

Prior to the 2013 acquisition of the piece, it had been on show at the National Gallery on a long-term loan since 1983, being displayed briefly in the Constable Room at Tate Britain ahead of its UK tour.

At Oriel y Parc, the famous painting loan will be complemented by an exhibition of works from the existing collections of Tate and Amgueddfa Cymru National Museum Wales.

In particular, included in the collection will be a selection of work by one of Constable’s major art rivals, Joseph Mallord William Turner, who previously travelled to Pembrokeshire in 1795. His interpretation of the famous local landmark, ‘Entrance to the Great Hall of the Bishops Palace, St Davids’, will also be included in the exhibit.

Accompanying the impressive art display will be a series of different celebratory events and various learning activities both in St Davids and in its surrounding areas to celebrate John Constable’s 240th birthday in June.

The Oriel y Parc exhibition will explore the ways in which ‘Salisbury Cathedral from the Meadows’ represents a personal and emotional approach to landscape painting which can be traced through to Graham Sutherland’s Neo-Romantic interpretations of Pembrokeshire in the twentieth century.

Councillor Mike James, Chairman of Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority, said: “We are delighted to be part of the Aspire partnership project, which has enabled us to bring one of the great masterpieces of British art to Oriel y Parc.

“The Pembrokeshire Coast National Park’s world-class landscape has inspired many artists through the centuries, just as the Suffolk landscape inspired Constable to create this colossal work of art.

“Although Constable’s masterpiece is the focal point of the display at Oriel y Parc, it will be accompanied by a range of works that explore the link between art and the inspirational qualities of the landscape, something which has drawn people to this western corner of Wales for centuries.

“This exhibition will help to cement Oriel y Parc’s growing reputation as one of the finest galleries in Wales and we hope it will inspire more people to explore the Pembrokeshire Coast during the Year of Adventure.”

For more information about Constable and his exhibition at Oriel y Parc Gallery and Visitor Centre in St Davids, visit www.orielyparc.co.uk/constable.

Community

Pembs Agricultural Society’s Christmas Fair expands to an all-weekend event

Published

10 hours ago

November 15, 2024

Tom Sinclair

PEMBROKESHIRE AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY’S Christmas Fair will be an all-weekend event next month. The Christmas shopping extravaganza is all set to take place on Saturday, 14 December as well as Sunday, 15 December.

The Parkhouse building on the Haverfordwest Showground will be transformed into a Christmas paradise. There will be even more stalls this year with a wide variety of quality local businesses exhibiting as well as festive music, Santa in his Grotto and an outdoor food court.

Judith Roach and Emma Thomas, the event organisers, said, “We are excited to be able to announce that our Christmas Fair will be on for two days rather than just one this year. We continue to build on the success of last year’s event with twice the opportunities to attend and even more stallholders. It will be the perfect start to the festive season as the Parkhouse Building will be transformed into a one-stop-shop for those preparing for Christmas.”

The Fair will be open from 10am until 4pm and admission is free. Visitors will find unique gifts, handmade decorations, art and beautiful homeware. Some of the county’s very best food and drink producers will also have stalls to give visitors the opportunity to stock up on all their festive treats. From decadent chocolate brownies, fudge, festive spirits to Welsh cheeses, there’s something to tantalise everyone’s tastebuds. There will also be a range of outlets for ‘on the go’ eating and drinking.

One special guest at the event will be everyone’s favourite bearded gentleman in red – Santa will be taking time out from his busy schedule to attend the event. There will be a charge of £3 per child to visit Santa and all proceeds will go directly to Sandy Bear charity to support their work. Each child will receive a small gift from Santa as part of their visit. Parents can book in advance via the website: www.sandybear.co.uk/santa

Adam Thorne, Pembrokeshire Agricultural Society’s President is looking forward to the festive event. He said, “The Society would like to thank Judith and Emma for all the hours they have put in, voluntarily, to organise the two-day Christmas event. We’re delighted to be able to offer visitors the opportunity to do all their Christmas shopping whilst enjoying the festive atmosphere.”

Follow Pembrokeshire County Show’s Christmas Fair event page on Facebook for a full list of stallholders in the run up to the event.

Community

Officials announced for 2026 Eisteddfod in Pembrokeshire

Published

21 hours ago

November 14, 2024

Tom Sinclair

THE NATIONAL EISTEDDFOD returns to Pembrokeshire in 2026, and organisers have named the officials who will steer this major cultural event over the next year and a half.

With the artistic and local committees already established, meetings to finalise competitions and adjudicators are underway to ensure the List of Competitions is ready by spring. Committee members have also been voting over the past weeks to elect key officials for the Executive Committee.

John Davies, former leader of Pembrokeshire County Council, has been appointed Chair of the Executive Committee. Known for his deep connection to Pembrokeshire and extensive experience with national organisations, Davies aims to make the Eisteddfod a true community event, welcoming involvement from all corners of the region.

Tegryn Jones, Chief Executive of Pembrokeshire Coast National Park, takes on the role of Deputy Chair (Strategy). With a strong passion for Welsh culture and language, Jones brings a wealth of experience working with local communities, visitors, and volunteers across three counties.

Deputy Chair (Culture) is Carys Ifan, Director of Canolfan Egin and a seasoned cultural organiser. Based in Llangrannog and originally from Llandudoch, Ifan has led numerous artistic and community projects across the region.

Cris Tomos, a community development veteran with over 30 years of experience, will lead the 2026 Eisteddfod Local Fund. Working with PLANED, a community development charity, Tomos has supported countless community enterprises and co-operatives in Pembrokeshire, Ceredigion, and Carmarthenshire.

Non Davies, recently elected as Executive Committee Secretary, brings extensive cultural management expertise as Ceredigion County Council’s Corporate Manager for Culture. Having chaired the Cardigan Local Fund Committee for the 2022 Ceredigion Eisteddfod, Davies is well-versed in managing cultural projects.

National Eisteddfod Chief Executive, Betsan Moses, said: “We’re looking forward to working with John and the team over the next few months as we prepare for the 2026 Eisteddfod.

“There’s almost a quarter of a century since the Eisteddfod was last held in Pembrokeshire, and we’re very much looking forward to returning to the area. 2026 is an important year for us as we celebrate 850 years since the first Eisteddfod was held in Cardigan Castle in 1176.

“We’re looking forward to working in a new way within a catchment area which includes parts of another two counties, which is, of course, a chance to work with local people in Ceredigion and Carmarthenshire again.”

Further announcements are expected in the coming weeks, including the sale of competition prizes and opportunities to donate the Crown and the Chair.

The National Eisteddfod will be held in Llantood from August 1–8, 2026.

Charity

Kurtz goes Jurassic as Pantosaurus visits Senedd NSPCC Campaign

Published

2 days ago

November 14, 2024

Richard Lewis

THIS WEEK, the NSPCC’s annual campaign to safeguard children from sexual abuse reached the steps of the Senedd.

Pantosaurus, the friendly mascot of the NSPCC’s PANTS campaign, appeared to raise awareness among Members of the Senedd and the wider public about the vital importance of child safety. The campaign encourages parents and carers to talk openly with young children about risks and protective measures.

The PANTS campaign is built around five key child protection messages:

Privates are private.
Always remember your body belongs to you.
No means no.
Talk about secrets that upset you.
Speak up; someone can help.

After meeting Pantosaurus, Samuel Kurtz MS, Member of the Senedd for Carmarthen West and South Pembrokeshire, expressed his support for the campaign

He said: “I wholeheartedly support this important NSPCC initiative. Since its launch in 2013, it has empowered over six million families to discuss this sensitive subject.

“This issue affects communities across Wales, so promoting the five principles of PANTS is essential for everyone in Pembrokeshire and beyond.”