The Eight that Paint
Tower Art Group
Friday 13th March – 11th May

The Community Gallery is open daily from 09.00 – 17.00
(not accessible on Tuesdays 10.00 – 12.30 and Thursdays from 13.00 – 15.00)

Community Gallery 
Level 2

Theatr Brycheiniog welcomes Tower Art Group to present a beautiful and varied exhibition of eight local artists who come together regularly to make new work, practice new painting skills, critique each other’s work, and for the enjoyment of each other’s company. 

This exhibition shares paintings that are created for pleasure and by a group of artists whose work is underpinned by friendship. 

Artwork is in this gallery is for sale, please see the individual artwork labels for details on price.  
 

Dramatic Brycheiniog: 3000 Years of Theatre in Brecon 

Our brand new permanent exhibition will be presented one of the galleries on Level 2. This exhibition celebrates ritual, music, performance and stories that connect our community, spanning almost 3000 years.

From stories and poems performed by Welsh bards; early Eisteddfods; actors travelling from London to Brecon to perform in Brecon; and Brecon’s first purpose built theatre are all there. Plus the local theatre and performance community have created a vibrant display that represents the scene as it is today. This exhibition is suitable for everyone, from babies to 99 (and beyond), everyone is welcome, and we think everyone will find a fascinating surprise. 

Thanks to funding from Arts Council of Wales, the Bannau Brycheiniog National Park Authority Sustainable Development Fund and the Colwinston Charitable Trust this permanent exhibition shares how Brecon has a rich and varied theatrical heritage that has been influenced by multiculturalism.

Four contemporary South Powys artists have been commissioned by Theatr Brycheiniog to create four new pieces of visual art that depict the kinds of theatrical storytelling people in Brychiniong might have enjoyed before books. 

 

These artists: Jamie Tobin, Laura Dennis, Ragna Reynisdottir and Zoe Spencer have conducted research into The Mabinogion, local folklore and Silurian myths and legends to create beautiful new works. 

Did you know?
That the first celebrity actresses, Sarah Siddons (nee Kemble) was born in Brecon in 1755! That one of the first theatre’s she ever performed in, you can still see on The Watton in Brecon. 

 

Did you know?
That the Brecon Little Theatre has been going for almost 100 years!

 

Did you know?
That during the Georgian period, there were a group of inspirational women in Brecon who managed, promoted, performed at and were patrons of Brecon Theatre.
 

The inspiration for this exhibition came from research into Brecon’s theatrical past undertaken by the late Ursuline nun Sister Bonaventure Kelleher. She worked to gather evidence that had often been overlooked by academic scholars and almost forgotten locally. 

This painstaking work preserved a story that might otherwise have been lost forever. After her death in 2019, around twenty boxes of research were passed to researcher Jayne Gold who expanded this work towards her PhD that was funded by the Brecknock Society and Museum Friends in partnership with the University of Bristol. Jayne and Sister Bonaventure uncovered many hidden histories, and the highlights are presented in this exhibition. 
With the help of many local organisations, community groups, schools and local historians and researchers we have created a permanent exhibition, that we will keep adding to it.

Thank you to:
Brecon Little Theatre
Brecon Jazz Festival
Brecon Frazz 
Brecon Pride
The Westenders Ameteur Dramatic Society
Brecknock Young Farmers Clubs 
Brecon Baroque Festival
Impelo
South Powys Youth Music
Ghostlight Theatre
Brecon Festival Ballet
Mid Wales Dance Academy
Brecon Music Scene
The Muse Brecon
Royal Welsh Museum
Alive and Kicking Choir
Brecon Choir Festival
Aberhonddu and District Male Voice Choir
Brecon Jazz Club
Brecon High School
Ysgol y Bannau
Signe L Design
The Muse Agency
Brecon Story Network
Brecon Town Council
Brecon Mari Lwyd

And many individuals who contributed time, energy, access to personal archives and fascinating knowledge.

The exhibition is designed to grow and change. Organisations and individuals who have not yet contributed to the exhibition are warmly welcomed to do so.
Contact the Theatre by emailing info@brycheiniog.co.uk to start a conversation.  
 

 

Art in the Bar - Steve Ellwood

 

 

10am - 5pm daily
Community Gallery, Theatr Brycheiniog
Admission: FREE

Steve Ellwood is an artist born in Essex, England but now living in Bronllys, Wales. Steve works with soft pastels, acrylics, inks and oil paint, drawing his inspiration from Welsh landscapes, seascapes and the animal world. Portraiture is a more recent addition to his portfolio.

Steve has been studying art with Jantien Powell at Chapel Cottage Studio, near Abergavenny, since 2014.
He also attended workshops with other artists including Richard Suckling, Gareth Jones, Trevor Osborne, Peter Cronin and Oriane Pierrepoint. His artistic influences - in addition to his tutors - include Martin Truefitt-Baker and Hashim Akib. He is currently focusing on his technique with soft pastels, enjoying the strong colours and bold marks they produce.

Since January 2023, Steve has added ceramics to his artistic portfolio. He studies with Becky Millikin at Millikin Ceramics in Kingstone, Herefordshire.

@ellwoodartuk
www.ellwoodartuk.com

Entrance to this exhibition is free.