fter an eighteen-month hiatus, the National Library of Wales is returning to The Riverside Gallery in Haverfordwest with two brand new exhibitions. The gallery will reopen on 18 September and the National Library is looking forward to sharing its collections with audiences outside of Aberystwyth once again.
The National Library of Wales houses over 1 million photographs connected to Wales, which range from works by pioneering photographers from the earliest days of photography to portfolios by contemporary practitioners of the art. In the People: Photographs from the National Collection exhibition we will focus on the unique art of documentary photography.
Pembrokeshire is a land filled with myth and legend, dotted with looming castles and mysterious cromlechs, and home to an old and passionate people who through the ages have been proud of their rich history, culture and landscape. Alongside the People exhibition, the permanent exhibition Pembrokeshire: Past and Present will celebrate Pembrokeshire’s history, as well as its continuing charm, displaying iconic works by artists and writers such as Gwen and Augustus John, Waldo Williams, Claudia Williams and Graham Sutherland.
Mike Cavanagh, Head of Cultural, Leisure, Tourism and Registration Services at Pembrokeshire County Council said:
“The gallery at Glan-yr-afon/The Riverside is a venue of national significance, and we’re delighted to welcome The National Library of Wales back with two brand new exhibitions. We’re sure that People and Pembrokeshire: Past and Present , much like the previous exhibitions, will be a ‘must-see’ for both residents and non-residents alike. The diverse offer, which includes a library, gallery, visitor information and coffee shop, caters for the needs of our local library users, whilst being an attractive destination for visitors to Pembrokeshire.”
Pedr ap Llwyd, Chief Executive and Librarian at The National Library of Wales added:
“I am delighted that we are able to once again share our collections with our friends in Pembrokeshire and beyond. Connecting and collaborating with communities throughout the country and providing spaces to interpret and discuss aspects of Wales’ past, present and future is a key part of our work. Due to our continued partnership with Pembrokeshire County Council we are able to share our rich collections with the residents of the county and visitors to Pembrokeshire.”
Both exhibitions will run until 23 April 2022, as part of the ongoing partnership between Pembrokeshire County Council and The National Library of Wales at Glan-yr-afon/The Riverside.
