A groundbreaking exhibition at the National Library of Wales challenges the notion that there is ‘no Welsh art’ by showcasing over 350 works from renowned and lesser-known artists.
Debunking the ‘No Welsh Art’ Myth
The infamous declaration that there is “no Welsh art” has been firmly rebutted by a groundbreaking exhibition at the National Library of Wales. The exhibition, which features over 250 works from beloved Welsh painters such as Gwen John and Kyffin Williams, aims to tell the narrative of the nation through visual art.
A Nation’s Story Through Art
The exhibition is a collection of more than 350 pieces, including paintings, prints, and sculptures, that showcase the rich artistic heritage of Wales. From the rugged mountain scenes of Penry Williams to the delicate still lifes of Gwen John, visitors can explore the diverse range of Welsh art. The Betws-y-Coed artists’ colony, famous for its landscapes of Eryri (Snowdonia), is also represented.
Ordinary People, Extraordinary Art
But what sets this exhibition apart is its inclusion of works created by “ordinary” people, such as labourer Thomas Rain from Llanidloes in mid Wales. His engravings on slate pieces offer a unique perspective on Welsh art and culture. The exhibition also highlights the impact of racism in art towards Welsh people, expressed in caricatures of impoverished people riding on goats.
Celebrating Diversity
However, it is not all about highlighting the negative aspects of Welsh art. The exhibition also showcases how some Welsh people chose to adopt and celebrate the image of themselves, as illustrated in a vivid pub sign painted in about 1835 for the Hanner-y-Ffordd Inn in the Conwy Valley.
Protest Art and the Future
A particularly striking section of the exhibition features three paintings from the depression of the 1930s. One of these is On the Coal Tips by Archie Rhys Griffiths, which depicts women collecting scraps of coal. The exhibition also includes protest art, such as Peter Davies’ 1984 picture Tŷ Haf, an image of a second home burning after an arson attack.
A Call for a National Gallery
The exhibition has sparked calls for a permanent national gallery for Wales to be created. Art historian and curator Peter Lord believes that a national gallery would provide a platform for Welsh art to be celebrated and shared with the world. The sculptor and blacksmith David Petersen, from Saint Clears in Carmarthenshire, expressed his frustration succinctly in the visitors’ book: “Why has it taken so long to have this fantastic exhibition?”
The No Welsh Art exhibition runs until 6 September 2025 at the National Library of Wales in Aberystwyth.
