The Royal Cambrian Academy of Art is proud to announce the publication of a new book by its vice president (South Wales), Dr Ceri Thomas, titled Shaping Art in Wales: David Bell, Kathleen Armistead and the Modern Artist. The book, published by the H’mm Foundation and distributed by the Welsh Books Council, explores the life and work of two influential Welsh artists, David Bell and Kathleen Armistead, who shaped the modern art scene in Wales and beyond.
New book and exhibition celebrate the art of David Bell and Kathleen Armistead
The book launch will take place on Friday 10 November 2023, from 11:30 am to 1:30 pm, at the Glynn Vivian Art Gallery in Swansea, where a complementary exhibition, Shaping Wales: Bell and Armistead, is currently on display until 12 November. The exhibition, guest curated by Dr Thomas, features a selection of paintings, sculptures, and drawings by Bell and Armistead, as well as works by other RCA artists who were inspired by them.
The book launch will include speeches by Dr Thomas and Karen MacKinnon, the director of the Glynn Vivian Art Gallery, who wrote the foreword for the book. There will also be a guided tour of the exhibition, refreshments in the gallery café, and an opportunity to purchase a signed copy of the book. The event is free and open to the public, but booking is advised.
Dr Thomas said: “I am delighted to share this book and exhibition with the art lovers of Wales and beyond. David Bell and Kathleen Armistead were remarkable artists who contributed greatly to the development of modern art in Wales. They were also mentors and friends to many RCA artists, who continue their legacy today. I hope this book and exhibition will inspire more people to discover and appreciate their work.”
The RCA is also pleased to announce that a new version of the exhibition, titled David Bell and Wales as Environment, will come to the RCA gallery in Conwy next June, along with Dr Thomas’s book. The exhibition will showcase how Bell’s art was influenced by the natural and cultural environment of Wales, and how he in turn influenced other artists to engage with the Welsh landscape and identity.
The RCA is a charity that promotes the creation and appreciation of visual art in Wales. It was founded in 1881 and has over 100 members, who are professional artists working in various media. The RCA gallery in Conwy hosts regular exhibitions and events, and offers workshops and educational programmes for the public.
For more information about the book, the exhibition, and the RCA, please visit the following websites
Shaping Wales: Bell and Armistead (glynnvivian.co.uk)
