Oriel Ynys Môn brings Venice to Wales

This month sees the opening of a landmark exhibition as Oriel Ynys Môn brings the

elegance of Venice to Anglesey.

Drawn to the Light – Kyffin Williams and Venice, a special exhibition to celebrate the 5th

anniversary of the opening of Oriel Kyffin Williams, will explore the relationship between

Anglesey artist Kyffin Williams and the famous Italian city, and will bring works by masters

such as Monet, Canaletto and Guardi to Anglesey for the very first time.

Alongside work from the collections of the British Museum, The National Gallery and

Amgueddfa Cymru – National Museum Wales, several Venetian scenes by Kyffin Williams

from private collections will help explain the special connection between the artist more

familiar with the wild beauty of the Anglesey coastline than the canals of Venice.

Pat West, Principal Archives and Museums Officer said, “Many artists have been drawn to

the beautiful light and sumptuousness of Venice, and Kyffin Williams was one of them.

We’re very proud to be presenting visitors with this new exhibition, which will allow greater

access to work normally only seen outside of North Wales and in private collections.”

To coincide with the exhibition, Oriel Ynys Môn is publishing a new book exploring Kyffin’s

relationship with Venice, produced with funding from the Sir Kyffin Williams Trust, will be

available from the Oriel’s shop.

David Meredith, broadcaster, author and curator of the exhibition said,

“Being invited by Oriel Ynys Môn to curate an exhibition on Sir Kyffin Williams’ involvement

with Venice is a great honour. As part of the exhibition, I have sought to tell the story of

Kyffin and Venice, from the 19th century Williams family Venetian mansion to Kyffin’s

lifelong study of the world-famous Venetian artists over the centuries. Seeing so many

original works exhibited, some for the first time in Anglesey and Wales, will be an exciting

experience.

“Kyffin’s first visit to Venice was in 1950 at the age of 32, and his last visit was in 2004 at the

age of 86 for the memorable documentary ‘Reflections in a Gondola’. I would encourage

everyone to come to Venezia – Drawn to the Light at Oriel Ynys Môn to view the work of

artistic giants galore – with Anglesey’s Kyffin Williams amongst them.”

Ieuan Williams, Leader of the Isle of Anglesey County Council added, “As a Council, we are

immensely proud to be bringing this exhibition to the island. The fact that we have been able

to attract international works never seen before in a public gallery in North Wales to Oriel

Ynys Môn is a testament to the ambition and calibre of the Oriel, and I urge everyone to take

this opportunity to see those great works whilst they are here in Anglesey.”

The exhibition runs from 20th July 2013-2nd February 2014. There is an admission charge

for this exhibition – Adults £4.50 Concessions £3.50 and children over 7 £1.50. Oriel Ynys

Môn is open daily between 10.30am and 5.00pm. Sponsored by Burges Salmon. Grant

aided by Arts Council of Wales.