One of Swansea’s most successful ever art shows is being extended.
The free-entry His Dark Materials exhibition at Swansea Council’s Glynn Vivian Art Gallery has attracted more than 24,000 visitors since its launch just before Christmas.
Last month saw the city centre gallery enjoy its highest monthly visitor figure – more than 8,700 – since an exhibition of works by iconic painter LS Lowry 21 years ago.
Council cabinet member Elliott King said: “This is an exceptional exhibition in a beautiful gallery. It’s fantastic that so many people have enjoyed it.
“I’m delighted that it’s been extended so that yet more people can enjoy it all the way into the summer.”
Originally due to have closed at the end of this month, it’ll now run to July 2.
The exhibition celebrates Wales as a creative nation and is a world-first.
For the first time, the public have been able to enjoy a behind-the-scenes look at all three seasons of TV sensation His Dark Materials.
Visitors enjoy costumes, concept art, visual effects footage, props and more from the small screen adaptation of Philip Pullman’s trilogy of novels.
One of Swansea's most successful ever art shows is being extended.
His Dark Materials exhibition at Swansea Council's Glynn Vivian Art Gallery has attracted more than 24,000 visitors so far.
Now it's run is being extended to July 2.
Info: https://t.co/DkLik9pDvZ pic.twitter.com/xNTznkirWP
— Swansea Council (@SwanseaCouncil) April 26, 2023
Public feedback has included:
- “Fantastic exhibition. I feel I could cry with the joy of seeing beautiful things
- “Fantastic props and information – really great for fans. Loved the costumes and daemon puppets!
- “Absolutely amazing! It felt like being taken back into the books.”
National acclaim has included coverage in media titles such as the Telegraph, Sun, First News and The Independent. Bloggers and online influencers have written about it.
As part of the exhibition, the Glynn Vivian is working closely with industry body Screen Alliance Wales and others to offer learning activities and careers advice to young people who seek careers in the creative industries. Free activities in May and June are due to include creative workshops on topics such as virtual reality.
The majority of the His Dark Materials TV series was filmed at Bad Wolf Studios Wales in Cardiff.
His Dark Materials: World Building in Wales will run at the city centre gallery until July 2. It’s being presented by the Glynn Vivian in partnership with TV production company Bad Wolf, IJPR Media and Screen Alliance Wales.
Glynn Vivian opening hours: Tue-Sun 10am-4.30pm (last entry 4pm) and open Bank Holiday Mondays in May.
