CELEBRATING 25 YEARS OF ART
2016 HAS seen an Anglesey gallery celebrate its 25th anniversary, a year filled with exciting events and major exhibitions.
Oriel Ynys Môn’s doors were first opened on October 25 1991 by Her Majesty the Queen, and since this time the Oriel has become known as one of North Wales’s major Arts and Culture venues.
The history of the Oriel goes back further than 1991, when Anglesey Borough Council as it was at the time, successfully purchased the works of Charles Tunnicliffe when they came up for auction in Christies, London in 1981.
Charles Tunnicliffe, one of the foremost wildlife artists of his day spent 35 years at Malltraeth recording the wildlife of the Cefni estuary.
This important collection was housed in Oriel Ynys Môn, a purpose built new gallery which to this day, continues to provide a focus for the cultural life of the island.
One of the most recent developments has been the opening of Oriel Kyffin Williams in 2008.
This gallery, on the outskirts of Llangefni, is a lasting tribute to one of Wales’ most celebrated and respected artists, and exhibits works belonging to the Isle of Anglesey County Council’s collection as well as showing major works loaned by National Institutions.
Esther Roberts, Senior Manager of Oriel Ynys Môn, said, “Since opening 25 years ago, the Oriel has gone from strength to strength.
“The Oriel continues to present an exciting artistic programme of exhibitions of national importance, showcasing promising local artists and featur- ing historical exhibitions that convey the uniqueness of the Island’s history.
“We’re proud to offer free access to exhibitions and events of the highest calibre to all who live and visit.”
The Oriel is currently exhibiting a poignant exhibition about the First World War, a story told through letters sent by soldiers from the front line to loved ones back home on the island. This exhibition can be viewed until 17 September 2017.
To celebrate the Oriel’s 25th Anniversary, Tudur Morgan has also remastered his original CD, Branwen, which will be for sale for £10.00 in the Oriel’s shop and craft fair.
While in Oriel Kyffin Williams, there’s another exhibition portraying the AONB (Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty). Each artwork in the exhibition has been selected to represent the four themes central to the AONB’s ethos - Landscape, History, Wildlife and Activities.
Works by Sir Kyffin Williams and Audrey Hind amongst others can be seen in the Landscape section, while works by Tunnicliffe and the Massey Sisters embodies the Island’s Wildlife.
Paintings by Keith Andrew, Gwilym Prichard, Harry Hughes Williams, Tegwyn Francis Jones, Claudia Williams and Rob Piercy can also be seen. This exhibition can be viewed until 5th of February, 2017.