The National Library of Wales
Past Present and Future: 50 Years of Watercolour Painting in Wales
Wed, 03 Jun 09 08:44:00
29 June - 21 August 2009
The Society was founded in 1959 to promote the medium of watercolour by artists living and/or working in Wales, and this is largely achieved by holding regular and important exhibitions of its members’ work in Wales. The medium of watercolour, however, now encompasses the many new water-borne materials and technologies available to the artist so that traditional watercolour stands alongside new media like acrylic and mixed media in their exhibitions.
The Society exhibits twice yearly at major galleries in Wales and further afield, and members also hold individual exhibitions throughout the UK. The output from the Society’s members is infinitely varied, ranging from the traditional to the contemporary and beyond, and encompasses many different styles and methodologies. The Society has contributed a number of works to The National Library of Wales as well as to other major public collections.
The Society currently has around 40 members, professional painters living and working in Wales. Entry to the Society is by selection, involving the submission of 6 new paintings for consideration by a small committee of existing members. In this way the Society maintains high standards of work as well as attracting new talent to its ranks. Their constitution also allows the invitation of nationally recognised artists to the Society.
In 2007 the Society was honoured when the Prince of Wales agreed to become its patron, having exhibited with the Society on a number of occasions in the past.
This exhibition celebrates the 50th anniversary of the Society by showing examples of past and present members. The future of the Society is in the hands of the younger generation; therefore under the guidance of the Society, the pupils of Comins Coch Primary School have produced an exhibition of work which can be viewed in our Education room on the ground floor.
For more information and to see examples of the members' work please visit the Watercolour Society of Wales' website. To mark its 50th anniversary in 2009 the Society has published a commemorative booklet, which is available in the Library shop.
