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Press Release

Exhibition

Island Inspiration

Kyffin Williams and Charles F.Tunnicliffe

September 17, 2011 – March 4, 2012

This year Oriel Ynys Môn celebrates its 20th birthday. To coincide with this

special occasion a unique exhibition will be held in Oriel Kyffin Williams

combining the work of Kyffin Williams and Charles F.Tunnicliffe.

The exhibition, ‘Island Inspiration’ is on show at Oriel Ynys Môn, Llangefni

between September 17, 2011 – March 4, 2012. The exhibition will be officially

opened at 7.00 pm on Friday evening September 16, 2011.

The history of Oriel Ynys Môn dates back to 1981 when the work of Charles

Tunnicliffe was due to be auctioned by Christie’s in London.

Charles Tunnicliffe, one of the foremost wildlife artists of his day, had spent 35

years at Malltraeth on Anglesey recording the wildlife of the Cefni estuary.

Following his death, the sketchbooks, measured drawings, and many other

works in the artist’s personal collection were now recognised as being of national

and international importance.

Christie’s produced a fine catalogue for a proposed sale of the artist’s work, but

at the eleventh hour a purchase of all but twelve lots was made by Anglesey

Borough Council, as it was at the time, with financial assistance from the Victoria

and Albert Museum, the Shell UK Oil Fund amongst others. The Tunnicliffe

collection which was to have been sold in 373 separate lots, would now be kept

intact and on the island.

Ten years later, a new gallery was built to house the magnificent collection with

the added intention of being the island’s premier centre for the arts and culture.

Oriel Ynys Môn was opened by Her Majesty The Queen on October 25,1991.

Over the last twenty years Oriel Ynys Môn has evolved considerably, and one

very special relationship that contributed towards this was one between the Oriel

and the artist Kyffin Williams.

Kyffin Williams was a passionate advocate for the arts on Anglesey and was a

regular visitor to the Oriel as well as an active and enthusiastic supporter of the

work of Oriel Ynys Môn since its opening in 1991. Kyffin generously donated over

400 original works of art to Oriel Ynys Môn, ranging from sketches to drawings to

oils.

Due to this unique relationship a gallery was built within Oriel Ynys Môn for

exhibiting his work. Kyffin himself was wholly supportive and enthusiastic about

the new gallery. He was involved from the outset in the location and design of the

gallery. His ideas and suggestions were incorporated into the plans which

received his seal of approval before his death on September 1st 2006. Oriel Kyffin

Williams opened in the summer of 2008 as a permanent and fitting tribute to one

of Wales’ most celebrated and respected artists.

This core collection of works donated by Kyffin to the Oriel form the basis of Oriel

Kyffin Williams’ exhibitions programme together with the artists’ work held by

other institutions and individuals.

The exhibition, ‘Island Inspiration – Kyffin and Tunnicliffe’ is a special celebration

in its self of the work of one of the foremost wildlife artists of his time, and

another artist, who is undoubtedly one of Wales’ most influential and highly

acclaimed artists.

Works on display in the exhibition include the Oriel’s own collection as well as

works from private and public collections.

Richard Parry Jones, Corporate Director of Education and Leisure, Isle of

Anglesey County Council said, “Oriel Ynys Môn is extremely proud of its

unique art collection. This exhibition is a wonderful tribute to two giants of

the art world”.

“So far, this year has been an exciting and prosperous year for Oriel Ynys

Môn. The art and history exhibitions as well as the various events have

proved a tremendous success. Over the years the work of Kyffin Williams

and Charles Tunncliffe has adorned the walls of the Art Gallery and History

Gallery at Oriel Ynys Môn, but this year will be the first time for us to

exhibit the work of both artists together in one exhibition. This exhibition

not only celebrates the Oriel’s two main art collections, but it also

underlines the unique relationship Kyffin and Tunnicliffe had with

Anglesey. This is our opportunity to thank them for their priceless

contribution to the island’s art and ensure that their lifetime’s work

continues to be enjoyed”, said Pat West, Principal Officer – Museums, Culture

and Archives, Isle of Anglesey County Council.

Oriel Ynys Môn

Llangefni

Anglesey

LL77 7TQ

01248 724444

www.visitanglesey.co.uk

www.kyffinwilliams.info

Open Daily: 10.30 – 5.00

Admission Free

Ends

For further information or to arrange an interview, contact:

Llinos Jones Parry

Events and Marketing Officer

Oriel Ynys Môn

Llangefni

Anglesey

LL77 7TQ

E mail: ljxlh@anglesey.gov.uk

Tel: 01248 752027 / 01248 724444

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