A free exhibition inspired by the Clwydian Range and its hillforts is now on show in the Community Gallery at Clwyd Theatr Cymru, Mold.
Paintings of the excavations at Moel y Gaer hillfort in Moel Famau Country Park and the local landscape are on display by North Wales artist Bill Kneale.
Also on show are reconstruction paintings by Llandyrnog artist Tim Morgan. These are based on archaeological surveys of the hillforts, aiming to give an impression of what life was like in the hillforts around 2,500 years ago.
In 2009 Moel y Gaer hillfort, Llanbedr, Ruthin was excavated by Bangor University. As part of the project Bill Kneale was commissioned to produce some paintings recording the excavation and the local landscape. Bill accompanied a walk by members of the public to see the excavation.
The dig was across part of the bank (rampart) of the hillfort where there had been some erosion which had exposed highly burnt material. It turned out that this was perhaps part of the original construction and a special ‘ritual’ deposit. The investigation, directed by Professor Karl, the Head of School and Professor of Archaeology & Heritage, found that the rampart probably dated to some time between 800 and 500 BC. It contained metal working slag and revealed an impressive exterior dry-stone facing.
The exhibition will be on show at Clwyd Theatr Cymru until 21st January and will be on show across more Denbighshire and Flintshire venues in 2012.
Also, look out for the Heather and Hillforts Survey across the two counties for your chance to tell us your thoughts on our work and to win £250! Also accessible online at http://bit.ly/hhsE1 (English) http://bit.ly/hhsW1 (Cymraeg)
The five year Heather and Hillforts Project is developing a £2.3 million initiative for upland conservation work and has received a grant of £1.5 million from the Heritage Lottery Fund. For more information please visit heatherandhillforts.co.uk.
You can now follow them on twitter! Visit www.twitter.com/HeatherHillfort or join their Facebook group for more updates from the project.
