Artists and Teachers
An inspiring exhibition focusing on three accomplished artists who taught art at Llangefni
Press Release
Celebrating 70 years of Llangefni County School
through the eyes of three artists.
Oriel Môn and the Anglesey Archives are delighted to celebrate the 70th anniversary of Llangefni County School, by showing a very special collection of work by three prominent and divergent artist teachers, all with strong links to Llangefni - Harry Hughes Williams, Ernest Zobole and Gwilym Prichard.
Harry Hughes Williams was born at Mynydd Mwyn, Llandrygarn and received his education at the Collegiate School in Liverpool. He enrolled at the Liverpool School of Art, before returning home to work as a full-time artist. He was elected as a member of the Royal Cambrian Academy and in 1938 secured a teaching post at the old Llangefni Grammar School. He continued painting while teaching but sadly died in a tragic accident at home in August 1953, shortly before he was due to start work at the brand-new Comprehensive School. He had exhibited throughout the UK and internationally, and included in this exhibition is ‘The Window’, a painting shown at the Paris Salon in 1949.
Ernest Zobole was born to Italian immigrants in the Rhondda Valley and after graduating from Cardiff Art School was appointed art teacher at Llangefni’s new school in 1953. Whilst here he continued to develop his art but by 1957, he felt too isolated from the south Wales art scene and returned to the valleys where his professional artistic career took off. He exhibited widely and was one of the founding members of the 56 Group.
Gwilym Prichard was born in Llanystumdwy in 1931 and started a teaching training course at Bangor in 1950, after which he enrolled at the Birmingham School of Art. In 1954 he married artist Claudia Williams and moved to Llangefni, where he was appointed crafts teacher at the County School. He left in 1966 and became Head of Art at Friar’s School, Bangor. In 1973 he left teaching to become a full-time artist – the beginning of a long and successful career. He and his family moved to Brittany and Greece before returning to Wales, settling in Tenby.
Kelly Parry, Senior Manager Oriel Môn and the Anglesey Archives stated, “this exhibition is the first working partnership between Oriel Môn and the Anglesey Archives. Staff from both venues have worked closely to bring the fascinating story of Llangefni County School to life in a very imaginative and creative way. This exhibition is a must-see for anyone who has ever attended the school, whether they were students of these three gifted art teachers or not”.
During the exhibition, there will be a fun opportunity for ex-pupils to take a trip down memory lane by sharing stories over a cup of tea in the caffe. Ceri Thomas the renowned art historian will also be giving a talk about the three artists. Please, keep an eye on the Oriel Môn website and social media for dates of these events.