Minister for Heritage, Alun Ffred Jones, has praised the success of Oriel Ynys Môn as it celebrates its 20th birthday, during a visit to the new Patagonia exhibition at Oriel Kyffin Williams.
The exhibition, which runs until 4 September 2011, provides an insight into the landscape and people of Patagonia compiled by Sir Kyffin during his Churchill Fellowship visit in 1968-1969, when he recorded the descendents of the Welsh settlers.
The Minister said:
“Sir Kyffin Williams’ stunning paintings of Wales are well-known to many, so it is very interesting to see these works of a different landscape, but one which is close to the hearts of many Welsh people.
“Supporting the establishment of a gallery for one of Wales’ most prominent and important artists was a One Wales commitment of this Assembly Government. I’m delighted that we have been able to oversee this fitting tribute to Sir Kyffin Williams, within Oriel Ynys Môn. I am also very pleased to congratulate Oriel Ynys Môn and Anglesey County Council as it celebrates this anniversary.”
The Welsh Assembly Government provided £100,000 in funding via the Arts Council of Wales towards the establishment of Oriel Kyffin Williams.
Works on display at the Patagonia exhibition hail from the Oriel’s own collection, other private and public collections including a large selection from The National Library of Wales.
A collection of pen, ink, watercolour and oils are displayed ranging from paintings and large works on paper to small sketches from Sir Kyffin’s autobiography ‘Wider Sky’. A collection of photographs taken by Sir Kyffin is also on display.
The new exhibition begins the 20th birthday celebrations of Oriel Ynys Môn. A number of exhibitions and events are planned in the gallery throughout this year.
Today the work of local, national and international artists are shown in the Art Gallery. Over the last 20 years this Gallery has exhibited the works of artists such as Kyffin Williams, Peter Prendergast, Donald McIntyre, Gwilym Pritchard, Williams Selwyn, Mary Lloyd Jones, Shani Rhys James, Wilf Roberts and Wil Rowlands, to name but a few.
Pat West, Principal Officer – Museums, Culture and Archives for Anglesey, added:
“By now there is little doubt that Oriel Ynys Môn is one of the island’s gems having developed to become one of the best galleries in Wales. This is thanks to many, including the staff over the last 20 years and the visitors and users both local and seasonal for their continued support.
“In 2009 Oriel Ynys Môn was honoured to receive the Gold Award at the Anglesey Tourism Awards for Best Visitor Attraction and in 2010 it repeated that success by winning Best cultural/Heritage Venue. We very much hope that future years will be as prosperous.”
