Press Release
National Museum Wales major collection of Snowdonia works by
John Piper opens on Anglesey
An outstanding group of views in Snowdonia by the artist John Piper, one of the most
versatile British artists of the 20th century, will go on show at Oriel Ynys Môn,
Llangefni, Anglesey this month. The exhibition, The Mountains of Wales which
features inspiring landscapes of north Wales, will be on display from 13 February to
19 June 2016.
The collection of art works, which reflect artist John Piper’s unique vision of Wales,
was acquired on generous terms for Wales’ national art collection in 2014. The series
of works was purchased by Amgueddfa Cymru – National Museum Wales from a
private individual with links to Wales, thanks to the generous support of the Heritage
Lottery Fund (£472,900), the Derek Williams Trust (£350,000) and the Art Fund
(£80,000). Much of the collection, including nine further works given to Amgueddfa
Cymru as a gift.
The mountains of North Wales provided a key source of inspiration to Piper from the
early 1940s to the mid-1950s, during which time he rented two cottages in the
Snowdonia area. Using these as a base, he travelled round this landscape capturing
the complex, semi-abstract forms and rich colours of the mountains. Over twenty
major works on paper and oil paintings from this acquisition which focus on John
Piper’s work in Snowdonia will be part of the display.
Bryony Dawkes White, Partnership Projects Curator, Amgueddfa Cymru – National
Museum Wales said:
“Piper’s vision of the mountains of north Wales was unique and this is a wonderful
opportunity for local people and visitors to Anglesey to enjoy and find out more about
these magnificent views of Snowdonia.”
Ian Jones, Museums Officer, Oriel Ynys Môn said:
“This exciting exhibition offers Anglesey’s residents and visitors an opportunity to see
a stunning collection of paintings by one of the leading British artists of the 20th
century.
We are proud to work with the National Museum Wales on this significant project.”
Ends
For more information please contact Nicola Gibson on: 01248 752014 / 01248
724444