A Welsh art icon - The legendary landscapes of Kyffin Williams
Sir Kyffin Williams was born in Anglesey, on 9 May 1918. After leaving school he served in the army but was discharged on account of his epilepsy, a condition which had developed following his contraction of polio as a child. A military doctor advised him to pursue art, and in 1941, Kyffin was inspired to enrol as a student at the Slade School of Art. This was the beginning of a long creative process, and the essential realisation for Kyffin that the act of painting went beyond simply placing images on paper or canvas, and that love and mood were essential aspects of the creation of art.
After completing his education he worked part-time as a teacher for 29 years in London, using the rest of his time to focus on his paintings. However, having reached the age of fifty, he was determined to accomplish something special. In 1974 Kyffin returned to Anglesey, near the village of
Llanfair Pwllgwyngyll where he immersed himself in the community, recording the people, the landscape, the birds and animals. Kyffin was in paradise, with the mountains of Snowdonia in front of him and the earth of his beloved Anglesey beneath his feet.
Through his career, he lectured extensively on art throughout the country and gave every support to schools, welcoming countless classes into his home and studio in Pwllfanogl. He was without doubt the figurehead of contemporary Welsh art. He was considered as the first artist to truly connect with the people of Wales - a tribute to the authenticity of his artistic vision - but his reputation extended far beyond his own country. Over his career he received many awards and honours. He was a senior Royal Academician, in 1982 he received an OBE for his services to the arts and in 2000, he was given a knighthood.
Williams is widely regarded as one of the most important artists of the 20th century. His brushstrokes are distinct, powerful, and instantly recognisable as his unique style and vision. His paintings capture the atmosphere and landscape that defines North Wales, with a an often brooding and dramatic quality. Solitary cottages under storm brewing skies, fierce seas, craggy cliffs and figures apparently doing battle with the volatile elements. Above all, his painting illuminates the wildness of rural Wales, not shying from its often brutal and imposing nature, but capturing the inherent beauty and romance of the wilderness.
Specialists in Welsh Art, Anthemion Auctions in Cardiff have dealt with many of Kyffin’s wonderful works over the years, as well as paintings by other Welsh icons such as Jack Jones, Ceri Richards, Charles Wyatt Warren, John Knapp fisher, and Ernest Zobole. They offer free valuations of paintings, as well as jewellery, silverware, ceramics, collector’s items and more, every Friday between 10am and 4pm. They are currently accepting items for all future auctions, and can be contacted on 029 2047 2444 or auction@anthemionauctions.com