Gwen John is one of Wales’ most extraordinary artists.
She saw the world differently – quietly, attentively, and with extraordinary depth. That difference shaped everything: her subjects, her method, her colours, her words, her work.
GWEN JOHN: STRANGE BEAUTIES is a once-in-a-generation exhibition, bringing together rarely seen works from Amgueddfa Cymru and collections from around the world to celebrate her 150th birthday. It is the first major collection of her work in over forty years.
It tells Gwen’s story as it’s never been told before, revealing new ways of seeing her life and art and celebrating an artist whose vision still feels strikingly modern today.
Gwen was born in the Victorian era and didn’t live her life the way it was expected for a woman to life in that time.
Regarded in her time as “a reclusive spinster that never left her house”, she was determined to be free to pursue a life of artistic expression.
This is an invitation, to see the world through Gwen’s eyes, to slow down, look closer and discover the wonder in her work. Unmissable, for both newcomers and devoted admirers alike.
We went along to the exhibition prior to it opening and spoke to Senior Curator of Art Lucy Wood.
Exhibition organised by Amgueddfa Cymru in partnership with National Galleries of Scotland, National Museum of Women in the Arts, and Yale Center for British Art.
Through Edgar’s Eyes – The Gwen John Exhibition Family Trail
Gwen John had a female cat called Edgar Quinet. Edgar has gone wandering around the exhibition! Follow her paw prints along the way. A fun, interactive trail suitable for 7 – 11-year-olds … and it’s completely free!
Download your FREE trail HERE.
More Information
- You can also download trails on your smartphone or device, or at the Museum by scanning the QR codes at the Main Desk.
- The museum have a limited number of paper trails available in person at the Main Desk in the entrance hall, as well as at the exhibition entrance. Just show your ticket, and one of the staff will happily provide you with one!
- All children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult.
GWEN JOHN: STRANGE BEAUTIES is at the National Museum Cardiff through to 28th June. To find out more about the exhibition go HERE.
On Sunday 15th February the exhibition will be closed between 10am-12pm for a ticketed event with the exhibition’s curator: Introduction to Gwen John. That is now fully booked.
