News and Features
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Gwen John and Other Must-Know Welsh Artists
Gwen John: Strange Beauties officially opened at the National Museum Cardiff on 7 February, bringing together an extraordinary collection of paintings by Gwen John (1876–1939) from galleries and private collections across the globe. The exhibition marks a significant moment for the museum, which is mounting a major survey of one of the most celebrated artists in its collection almost ninety years after it acquired one of her works for just £20 — at a time when she was still largely unknown.
Now that the exhibition is underway, visitors have already been discovering (and rediscovering) why Gwen John remains one of the most important figures in Welsh art history. From her quiet, contemplative interiors to her intimate portraits, the show offers a rare opportunity to see both much-loved favourites and seldom-seen masterpieces brought together in one place.
Feeling inspired? If the exhibition has sparked your interest in Welsh artists, here are some iconic names worth exploring next. -
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Augustus John – The International Art Star from Tenby
Described as “the most famous British artist before the end of the Second World War”, Augustus John was born in Tenby and studied at the prestigious Slade School of Fine Art in London — just like his sister Gwen.
An exceptional draftsman and charismatic figure, Augustus John became a leading name in early 20th-century British art. During the First World War, he was appointed an official war artist for the Canadian Overseas Military Forces (1917–1918). His bold portraits and expressive style helped put Welsh art firmly on the international map.
If you’re exploring famous Welsh painters, Augustus John is essential viewing.
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John Macfarlane – Master of Theatre Design
Widely regarded as one of the finest theatre designers and painters of his generation, John Macfarlane has shaped the visual identity of opera and ballet across the world.
His work has appeared in major galleries and collections in Cardiff, London, Chicago, Vienna, Glasgow, Paris and New York — cementing his reputation as a global creative force.
Graffeg’s beautifully produced book on John Macfarlane — the first dedicated publication on his work — explores everything from still life paintings to costume design drawings and large-scale theatrical commissions. It’s a must for anyone interested in theatre design, fine art and Welsh creativity.
John MacFarlane: Theatre Design and Studio £40.00 -
John Macfarlane: Theatre Design and Studio
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Kyffin Williams – Icon of the Welsh Landscape
Few artists captured the spirit of Wales quite like Kyffin Williams. After studying at the Slade School of Art in 1941, he later travelled to Patagonia as a recipient of the Winston Churchill Fellowship — experiences that deepened his connection to rugged landscapes and remote communities.
Best known for his dramatic Welsh landscapes and seascapes in oil, Kyffin also produced delicate watercolours, powerful lino cuts and striking portraits.
Graffeg’s book explores the full range of his work, celebrating one of the most beloved figures in Welsh landscape painting.
Kyffin Williams £30.00 -
Kyffin Williams
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David Griffiths – Wales’ Portrait Painter
A fellow graduate of the Slade School of Art, David Griffiths has become one of Wales’ best-known contemporary portrait artists.
His subjects include King Charles III, The Most Reverend Dr Rowan Williams, Barry John and Shane Williams. The BBC once described him as “one of Wales’ most well-known portrait painters,” and his work has been exhibited at venues including Speaker’s House, City Hall Cardiff, the National Library of Wales and the Royal Society of Portrait Painters.
Graffeg’s book celebrates his remarkable career and showcases portraits that blend tradition with a distinctly modern Welsh perspective.
David Griffiths Portraits £30.00 -
David Griffiths: Portraits
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Eironwy Llewellyn - Welsh Life
Eironwy Llewellyn, born in 1930 in Aberystwyth, Wales, was a free spirit and would love seeing her work shared with the world. As an artist, she trained at Swansea College of Art (1946-1951), receiving a NDD (National Diploma in Design) in Modelling & Sculpture and ATD (Art Teacher Diploma) as well as being an Associate Member of the British Association of Art Therapists.
Eironwy's daughter Sara was inspired to publish her mothers work after sharing some of her paintings on an Escape to the Chateau fan club page and receiving high praise, with a lot of the groups members relating to the paintings and stories.
50 original paintings present a pictorial diary of a childhood in Wales from 1930-1944, painted retrospectively from memory by artist Eironwy Llewellyn whilst in her seventies.The jaunty, naïve style is intended to convey her early life as remembered ‘through the eyes of a child’, with the various scenes charmingly recalling life as it was lived during this period.
Earth Meadow £25.00 -
Earth Meadow
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Nina Hamnett – The Queen of Bohemia
Another Tenby native, Nina Hamnett was famously dubbed the “Queen of Bohemia.” She moved in the same creative circles as both Gwen and Augustus John, carving out her own space in the vibrant early 20th-century art world.
Although celebrated in her lifetime, Hamnett remains less widely known today than some of her contemporaries — despite her exceptional portraits and beautifully observed still lifes. If you’re uncovering overlooked Welsh women artists, she’s an inspiring place to start.
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Like what you've seen here? Check out our other art and photography books here
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