Community

Artists commissioned to re-examine legacy of Haverfordwest-born Thomas Picton

Published

3 years ago

October 6, 2021

National Museum of Cardiff

TWO new artists have been commissioned to examine the legacy of Sir Thomas Picton. The National Museum in Cardiff have commissioned two artists, Gesiye, and collective Laku Neg, in the hopes that the works will give a platform to those who were originally left out of Picton’s history.

A portrait of Picton, done by Sir Martin Archer Shee, has been a part of the museum’s collection since 1907. The new works will be part of the ‘Reframing Picton’ project being undertaken by the museum, and the Sub Sahara Advisory Panel.

Portrait of Sir Thomas Picton – by Sir Martin Archer Shee

The planned new works will look at colonial representations that existed in the National Museum’s galleries, and look at black experiences.

Sir Thomas Picton is a 19th Century slave owner and Governor of Trinidad, who had previously been labelled as a hero of the Battle of Waterloo, where he died following a gunshot wound to the head in 1815.

Picton was known to abuse the slaves he owned, and was considered a tyrant whilst he was alive.

Gesiye’s work will include her tattooing people as part of the project. Videos and photos of those will then be displayed in the museum.

Gesiye, from Trinidad and Tobago, has said: “I envision this piece as a ritual, a healing opportunity for black Trinidadians to reconnect to self, to this island and to each other.

“This work is not an attempt to rewrite history, it is a disruption of the narrative that is so often held up as a singular truth.”

Laku Neg, which means ‘Black Yard’ in Creole, consists of people of Trinidadian heritage, who live and work in the UK.

Their piece will be an installation that will include music and sculpture. It will be about victims of Picton’s regime in Trinidad, two girls named Louisa and Present in particular.

Laku Neg said they intend to provide an “ancestral work” that will present a “360 degree view of Welsh history”.

They added: “We aim to create an immersive installation, illuminating a story that did not make it across the Atlantic intact,

“In representing the Caribbean and its connection with colonial powers, we hope to prompt searching conversations about power, heroism and truth.”

Dr Kath Davies, the museum’s collections and research director, says she is looking forward to seeing the works on exhibition in the museum.

“We hope that it generates conversation about how we share the different perspectives and histories of Wales in a modern-day museum,” she said.

Fadhili Maghiya – director of the Sub-Sahara Advisory Panel

Fadhili Maghiya, the director of the Sub-Sahara Advisory Panel, was called on by the museum back in 2020 to examine the future of the Picton portrait.

He said: “The deeper you look into history, any kind of history, the more facets of truth are revealed,

“And it is important who does the looking, because we all come with lived and learned knowledge that shapes our vision.

“It’s no secret that history has rarely been written by people of colour.

“We are now in a time when we are taking ownership of our narrative and stepping from the footnotes of history into the centre.”

The commissions followed a callout to artists by the National Museum back in January 2021. Over 50 responses were received, the majority of which were artists that had a direct link to Trinidad.

Charity

Ffynnon Community Resilience CIC creates green spaces with exciting new garden package

Published

10 hours ago

March 10, 2025

Richard Lewis

FFYNNON Community Resilience CIC are going green in 2025 thanks to new garden from Keep Wales Tidy.

Ffynnon Community Resilience CIC will be creating a new orchard garden in Pembrokeshire to benefit nature and the local community. Environmental charity Keep Wales Tidy will be installing the garden and providing all the plants, tools and materials for free through its Local Places for Nature scheme.

Jo Denham from Ffynnon Community Resilience CIC said: “Our group of community allotmenteers have been so excited to receive the garden package from Keep Wales Tidy.

“We chose to put in a communally accessible fruit cage with an array of different bushes, and it’s been really fun installing it and choosing what to put in there.”

Keep Wales Tidy’s Local Places for Nature scheme offers communities free garden packages that range from small gardening projects to orchards and large-scale makeovers. 1,300 gardens have been created and restored across Wales since it was launched in 2020. Groups and organisations of all shapes and sizes have benefited, including emergency services, youth groups, sports clubs, animal homes and disability charities.

Chief Executive for Keep Wales Tidy Owen Derbyshire said: “Creating thriving green spaces not only benefits the health and wellbeing of individuals but strengthens our communities.

“We are delighted that groups, like Ffynnon Community Resilience CIC can make a real difference through the Local Places for Nature scheme, and we are grateful to Welsh Government for their ongoing support.

“I can’t wait to see the orchard garden take shape over the coming weeks and months.”

Keep Wales Tidy’s initiative is part of the wider Welsh Government ‘Local Places for Nature’ programme committed to creating, restoring and enhancing nature ‘on your doorstep’.

Community

Community comes together for Big Haverfordwest Litter Pick

Published

1 day ago

March 9, 2025

Tom Sinclair

HAVERFORDWEST residents joined forces to clean up the town in a community-driven litter pick organised by Haverfordwest Town Council, HaverHub, and Haverfordwest Heritage.

The event, which saw volunteers collecting rubbish to improve the town’s appearance, was attended by County Councillor Thomas Tudor, who represents the Castle Ward on Pembrokeshire County Council.

Cllr Tudor said: “It was lovely to participate in and help with the Big Haverfordwest Litter Pick. I’d like to thank everyone who attended today—this will be the first of many similar initiatives for Haverfordwest, the County Town of Pembrokeshire.”

The initiative is expected to become a regular event to maintain cleanliness and encourage civic pride.

Community

Cawl competition celebrates International Women’s Day in Pembroke

Published

2 days ago

March 8, 2025

Tom Sinclair

PEMBROKE marked International Women’s Day on Saturday (Mar 8) with a successful cawl competition, bringing the community together to celebrate and support local women.

The event, organised by Pembroke Town Team, saw participants enjoy a variety of cawl, including vegetarian and vegan options, from Gio Recchia Pizza Contemporanea, Watermans Arms, Buddy’s Baked, and Will’s of Pembroke.

A key highlight was the inspiring speeches from local women who play a vital role in the community. Information stalls were also present, with groups such as New Pembrokeshire Pride, Pembroke Street Pastors, and Lamphey WI sharing resources and support.

Local businesswomen showcased their products, offering visitors the chance to browse and buy from a range of stalls.

The event was made possible thanks to a donation from Pembrokeshire Women, which organisers said played a crucial role in ensuring the day’s success. Volunteers, including Lisa Boswell, Angela Marston Halifax, Rhian Cowen, Ness Moseley, Ann Mortenson, and Tegan, worked tirelessly to keep things running smoothly, with Lewis George stepping up as compere.

Organisers thanked all those who attended, saying the support from the community made the event truly special.