Show paints a picture of city’s pubs

THEY show some of Cardiff ’s landmark pubs from the past and present – and now these paintings will be featured in a new exhibition.

Christopher Langley, 55, produces the striking paintings using his own technique that involves ink and acrylic as well as some secret methods.

Pubs featured in the images include the Golden Cross, The Vulcan and The Cow and Snuffers.

“I am very proud of the Golden Cross as it took me some time to nail and get the detail right,” said Mr Langley, who is originally from Pontypridd and is now based in Cardiff.

“The owner of the Butchers Arms and the Black Cock, James Lovegrove, commissioned me to do some paintings. It proved really popular so I put together some more of pubs in the city.”

His work has proved so popular that it will be on display at Insole Court, Llandaff, from tomorrow.

The solo exhibition of 12 framed prints, three original paintings, and 20 unframed prints will take place over six weeks.

Mr Langley says he takes his inspiration from Wales, its people, its buildings and its landscape.

He hopes that the paintings will inspire people to come forward to tell their stories and memories of the pubs.

He said: “My aim is to tell the story of the pubs of the city in a historical and cultural context. So, it would be wonderful to find out more about their interesting histories or stories attached to them.

“I’d love people to come along to the exhibition at Insole Court and look at the prints and paintings. I hope it will inspire them to remember their great stories about the pubs.

“I am hoping that people with memories of all these pubs will come forward.

“It would be great to tell the story of Cardiff and the pubs which were the hub of the community.

“Cardiff’s pubs have been at the heart of the city’s life for centuries. As many pubs are closing or facing an uncertain their role

Mr Langley is a self-taught artist who staged his first solo exhibition in 2012.

He is a two-time finalist of the prestigious Lumen Prize, the global award for digital art.

He says his artistic inspirations include David Hockney, Gillian McDonald, Paul Corfield, and Corrie Chiswell. future, it’s important that is recognised and documented.”