This year Oriel Ynys Môn celebrates its 20th birthday. To coincide with this special occasion a unique exhibition will be held in Oriel Kyffin Williams combining the work of Kyffin Williams and Charles F Tunnicliffe.
The exhibition, ‘Island Inspiration’ is on show at Oriel Ynys Môn, Llangefni between September 17, 2011 – March 4, 2012. The exhibition will be officially opened at 7.00 pm on Friday evening September 16, 2011.
The history of Oriel Ynys Môn dates back to 1981 when the work of Charles Tunnicliffe was due to be auctioned by Christie’s in London.
Charles Tunnicliffe, one of the foremost wildlife artists of his day, had spent 35 years at Malltraeth on Anglesey recording the wildlife of the Cefni estuary. Following his death, the sketchbooks, measured drawings, and many other works in the artist’s personal collection were now recognised as being of national and international importance.
Christie’s produced a fine catalogue for a proposed sale of the artist’s work, but at the eleventh hour a purchase of all but twelve lots was made by Anglesey Borough Council, as it was at the time, with financial assistance from the Victoria and Albert Museum, the Shell UK Oil Fund amongst others. The Tunnicliffe collection which was to have been sold in 373 separate lots, would now be kept intact and on the island.
Ten years later, a new gallery was built to house the magnificent collection with the added intention of being the island’s premier centre for the arts and culture. Oriel Ynys Môn was opened by Her Majesty The Queen on October 25,1991.
Over the last twenty years Oriel Ynys Môn has evolved considerably, and one very special relationship that contributed towards this was one between the Oriel and the artist Kyffin Williams.
Kyffin Williams was a passionate advocate for the arts on Anglesey and was a regular visitor to the Oriel as well as an active and enthusiastic supporter of the work of Oriel Ynys Môn since its opening in 1991. Kyffin generously donated over 400 original works of art to Oriel Ynys Môn, ranging from sketches to drawings to oils.
Due to this unique relationship a gallery was built within Oriel Ynys Môn for exhibiting his work. Kyffin himself was wholly supportive and enthusiastic about the new gallery. He was involved from the outset in the location and design of the gallery. His ideas and suggestions were incorporated into the plans which received his seal of approval before his death on September 1st 2006. Oriel Kyffin Williams opened in the summer of 2008 as a permanent and fitting tribute to one of Wales’ most celebrated and respected artists.
This core collection of works donated by Kyffin to the Oriel form the basis of Oriel Kyffin Williams’ exhibitions programme together with the artists’ work held by other institutions and individuals.
The exhibition, ‘Island Inspiration – Kyffin and Tunnicliffe’ is a special celebration in its self of the work of one of the foremost wildlife artists of his time, and another artist, who is undoubtedly one of Wales’ most influential and highly acclaimed artists.
Works on display in the exhibition include the Oriel’s own collection as well as works from private and public collections.
Richard Parry Jones, Corporate Director of Education and Leisure, Isle of Anglesey County Council said, “Oriel Ynys Môn is extremely proud of its unique art collection. This exhibition is a wonderful tribute to two giants of the art world”.
“So far, this year has been an exciting and prosperous year for Oriel Ynys Môn. The art and history exhibitions as well as the various events have proved a tremendous success. Over the years the work of Kyffin Williams and Charles Tunncliffe has adorned the walls of the Art Gallery and History Gallery at Oriel Ynys Môn, but this year will be the first time for us to exhibit the work of both artists together in one exhibition. This exhibition not only celebrates the Oriel’s two main art collections, but it also underlines the unique relationship Kyffin and Tunnicliffe had with Anglesey. This is our opportunity to thank them for their priceless contribution to the island’s art and ensure that their lifetime’s work continues to be enjoyed”, said Pat West, Principal Officer – Museums, Culture and Archives, Isle of Anglesey County Council.
Oriel Ynys Môn
Llangefni
Anglesey
LL77 7TQ
01248 724444
www.visitanglesey.co.uk
www.kyffinwilliams.info
Open Daily: 10.30 – 5.00
Admission Free
