A welcome milestone as gallery hosts show
KING Street Gallery in Carmarthen is holding its first exhibition since lockdown restrictions were eased.
The venue in King Street is hosting work by artist Redvers John and covers a wide range of styles, including art related to the Covid-19 pandemic, in particular one piece in memory of those who have lost their lives to the virus.
The exhibition is called Eclectic and Mr John said: “I have a piece of work in memory of all the people that died in Wales from coronavirus.
“There are 5,569 dots representing each victim in red for the dragon, yellow for the daffodil, and green for the green, green grass of home.
“It features a series of black crosses with the dots in a light blue sky.
“It’s not for sale but if I did sell it all proceeds would go to the NHS.”
The rest of the work on show at the gallery is a mix of styles and landscapes, with paintings of Carmarthen town, Laugharne, and others.
His urban landscapes are more traditional in style and are often of important historical Welsh places.
Redvers chooses unusual angles and shadows and people are often featured going about their daily lives.
He was born in Wales and studied in Carmarthen and his subject matter is eclectic and far-ranging.
His pop art collage-style works are linked to his own collections of vinyl record collections and punk music memorabilia.
Further political ideas have been explored, including his ‘cuts again’ series which are sculptural paintings.
The Eclectic exhibition runs until July 1 and is open between 10.30am and 4pm Tuesdays to Saturdays.
A MAN has been jailed for assaulting a security guard at a charity event and leaving him permanently disfigured.
Philip Nicholas Ladd was found guilty of assault causing grievous bodily harm after biting off a large section of a man’s ear at the event in New Quay, in March 2019, to raise for a local man who had been diagnosed with an incurable stage three brain tumour. The victim described the attack in court as a “cruel and vindictive” attack he is reminded of on a daily basis.
Dyfed-powys Police were called to New Quay Football Club when the 38-year-old reacted violently to being stopped from going back inside the venue by a security guard. After punching the victim to the head, Ladd bit the member of staff ’s ear and spat out part of it on the floor in front of him before leaving in a taxi.
The victim, who was taken immediately to hospital, says the injury has left him feeling conscious about the way he looks. In a victim impact statement the security guard said: “This was not simply an assault that to an extent you are aware could happen working as a security operative at events.
“This was a cruel, vindictive attack that has resulted in an injury that will never truly heal and I will often be reminded of what happened to me.
“It was very difficult for me to go back to work but I have managed this out of necessity to support myself and family.
“It still remains difficult for me as I fear that I could again get attacked simply for doing my job. I should not have to feel like this and I did not before this incident.”
Ladd was arrested within hours of the incident being reported, and officers continued to investigate the offence, examining DNA samples from both the defendant’s mouth and the victim’s ear.
Ladd, of Aberaeron, was charged with assault causing grievous bodily harm with intent in November 2019. He denied the offence and was found guilty of assault causing grievous bodily harm at a second trial.
He has now been sentenced to five years and six months in prison.
Detective Sergeant Steve Barry said: “This was an incredibly violent incident which saw the defendant lash out at a security guard who was simply doing his job.
“Ladd was told he could not go back inside. The way he reacted to this was totally unacceptable and has left the victim with a permanent reminder of the assault.
“We are pleased that the hard work of investigating officers in putting together the file of evidence led to a conviction and hope the sentence goes some way to providing comfort to the victim.”