Exhibitions @St_Elvans
St Elvan's continually hosts FREE rotating guest exhibitions in our mezzanine gallery area
All exhibitions are completely FREE to view and are available to browse Monday to Saturday from 10:00 to 16:00
Each month we also present our monthly WAM (Words - Art - Music) Night in the Gallery, which frequently ties in with our visiting exhibitions. For further information on the WAM Nights, visit www.stelvans.com/wam-words-art-music
Information on our current, forthcoming and recent exhibitions is available below
All exhibitions are completely FREE to view and are available to browse Monday to Saturday from 10:00 to 16:00
Each month we also present our monthly WAM (Words - Art - Music) Night in the Gallery, which frequently ties in with our visiting exhibitions. For further information on the WAM Nights, visit www.stelvans.com/wam-words-art-music
Information on our current, forthcoming and recent exhibitions is available below
Exhibitions 2025
January | February
British Museum | Hangzhou Yinhu Zhejiang Province | St Elvan's Partnership
"Here Be Dragons"
March | April
Jeremy Thomas
"Psalms"
May
"VE Day 80"
June
"The Planets | Our Planet"
July
Caradogfest 2025
"Musical Statues"
August
Gustavius Payne
September
"Heddwch | Peace"
October
William Haggar
"Our Greatest Showman"
November
"Quilting for Claridge's"
December
Santa's Grotto
www.stelvans.com/christmas-events
Each Christmas St Elvan's our exhibition series pauses as the Mezzanine Gallery plays host to Santa's Grotto. For full details of this, and all our Christmas events, visit www.stelvans.com/christmas-events Our exhibition series resumes in January, and details of that and all our forthcoming exhibitions can be found below
Previous Exhibitions
November 2024
Linda Agostini - "Warriors of the Night"
Barry Lewis - “Toyrannosaurus Wrecks”
Our twin October | November exhibition features Linda Agostini's exquisite imagined war horses series "Warriors of the Night" plus the brilliant "Toyrannasaurus Wrecks" by popular RCT sculptor Barry Lewis. Toyrannasaurus is available to view in the foyer here at St Elvan's, while Linda's "Warriors of the Night" are available to view throughout the Mezzanine Gallery, together with examples of additional sculptures by Barry. All pieces are available to view FREE Monday to Saturday from 10:00am to 4:00pm
Warriors of the Night
Linda Agostini is an abstract / contemporary artist, living in Aberdare with her Italian husband and family. Her work is vibrant and colourful with many shapes and patterns to form many animals. Linda loves nature, and this is interpreted in her work. There is also always a mystical sense to her painting and no two are the same, as each is fully intended to be individual
Each of Linda's works have names, and sometimes a spiritual meaning to them. She adores painting Horses, Wolves, Dragons mainly, plus Tigers, Snakes and Birds. Linda has her own style of work which she feels is different to that of other artists, and that work is drawn straight from her own imagination
Linda's work is sketched out on the canvas, then water applied to make the shapes appear and form, and then acrylic or other mediums are then applied to this. This is her technique
“Warriors of the Night” is a beautiful and colourful depiction of imagined war horses by Linda Agostini. Only one of the war horses depicted is physical and alive. The other images are representative of the spirits of horses lost in warfare, their names reflective of their character
Linda Agostini is an abstract / contemporary artist, living in Aberdare with her Italian husband and family. Her work is vibrant and colourful with many shapes and patterns to form many animals. Linda loves nature, and this is interpreted in her work. There is also always a mystical sense to her painting and no two are the same, as each is fully intended to be individual
Each of Linda's works have names, and sometimes a spiritual meaning to them. She adores painting Horses, Wolves, Dragons mainly, plus Tigers, Snakes and Birds. Linda has her own style of work which she feels is different to that of other artists, and that work is drawn straight from her own imagination
Linda's work is sketched out on the canvas, then water applied to make the shapes appear and form, and then acrylic or other mediums are then applied to this. This is her technique
“Warriors of the Night” is a beautiful and colourful depiction of imagined war horses by Linda Agostini. Only one of the war horses depicted is physical and alive. The other images are representative of the spirits of horses lost in warfare, their names reflective of their character
|
Toyrannosaurus Wrecks
Toyrannosaurus Wrecks is the newest large scale sculpture from Rhondda Cynon Taf’s own Barry Lewis Toyrannosaurus is made almost entirely from discarded plastic children’s toys and other salvaged waste plastic items This 12 feet tall sculpture represents the message that if we continue to waste materials and disregard the environment as we currently do, then humanity could indeed face the same fate as the dinosaurs - extinction Toyrannosaurus was with us here at St Elvan’s throughout the October half term and through to Christmas. Be sure to also visit the many additional sculptures by Barry which are able to view FREE in our Mezzanine Gallery, including Barry’s life size metal swan, and his giant 4.5 metre metal Welsh Dragon “Gareth” Barry's smaller works are available for purchase here at St Elvan's |
September | October 2024
"Proud Valley"
The Life & Legacy of Paul Robeson
Born the son of an escaped slave, in the last years of the 19th century, Paul Robeson's life would come to define the African American struggle for equality during the 20th century. An esteemed scholar, athlete, intellectual, linguist, singer, actor, orator, and activist, Robeson left a lasting impression on all who met him
We are indebted to RCTCBC Heritage Services for the loan of this exhibition
Accompanying the exhibition, a FREE Heritage Talk on the Life and Legacy of Paul Robeson was given by RCTCBC Heritage Officer Darren Macey on Friday September 27th, followed by "Paul Robeson - A Celebration" performed by Tayo Aluko and Cwmbach Male Choir. on Saturday September 28th
Tayo's tribute to Paul Robeson "Call Me Mr Robeson" premiered at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival in 2007 and has toured to venues across the UK and wider ever since
In April 1960, Cwmbach Male Choir had the honour and distinction of appearing in concert with Paul Robeson at London’s Royal Festival Hall. It was held by the Movement for Colonial Freedom - later to become Amnesty International - for Africa Freedom Day. The performance was attended by a celebrity audience, including Anthony Wedgewood-Benn, the then Archbishop of Canterbury, and folk singer Pete Seeger, famous as the composer/writer of the protest song “Where Have All The Flowers Gone?"
The concert was so successful that a second concert was arranged for the following year, in April 1961. Paul Robeson, despite his increasing poor health, agreed to attend
The choir arrived in London on Saturday 15th April in the late morning when the choir was preparing to rehearse, the organisers received a message to say that Paul Robeson had been taken ill in Moscow and would be unable to make the journey to perform in the concert. No professional replacement was available at such short notice, and so Cwmbach’s conductor, T. R. James, asked one of the choir’s own bass singers, George Lloyd, to take Paul Robeson’s place. George had been a member of the audience who had listened to Robeson at the Mountain Ash Pavilion back in 1938 and, on being asked by his conductor to perform in Robeson's place, George is reported to have said, "Well if you think I can do it, I'll have a go!”
In a long but largely amateur singing career, George had sung with the Welsh National Opera, the Welsh Festival Choir and Sadlers Wells. His performance that day brought the capacity audience to its feet, and they gave him a deserved thunderous ovation. Dai Francis, the choir’s then President, writing in the National Union of Mineworkers magazine later said:
" This working man from South Wales will never forget the memorable occasion when he was called upon at such short notice to fill the breach caused by the illness of one of the world's most famous singers, and how wonderfully he acquitted himself"
George passed away in 1999 in his 80th year. He was a Life Member of Cwmbach Male Choir, and at that time, the only chorister to have served for 60 years. His funeral eulogy fondly recalled his proudest moment
The choir remain proud of their direct connection and performance with Paul Robeson and we thank them for supporting this important event, held in memory of this true giant
Tayo's tribute to Paul Robeson "Call Me Mr Robeson" premiered at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival in 2007 and has toured to venues across the UK and wider ever since
In April 1960, Cwmbach Male Choir had the honour and distinction of appearing in concert with Paul Robeson at London’s Royal Festival Hall. It was held by the Movement for Colonial Freedom - later to become Amnesty International - for Africa Freedom Day. The performance was attended by a celebrity audience, including Anthony Wedgewood-Benn, the then Archbishop of Canterbury, and folk singer Pete Seeger, famous as the composer/writer of the protest song “Where Have All The Flowers Gone?"
The concert was so successful that a second concert was arranged for the following year, in April 1961. Paul Robeson, despite his increasing poor health, agreed to attend
The choir arrived in London on Saturday 15th April in the late morning when the choir was preparing to rehearse, the organisers received a message to say that Paul Robeson had been taken ill in Moscow and would be unable to make the journey to perform in the concert. No professional replacement was available at such short notice, and so Cwmbach’s conductor, T. R. James, asked one of the choir’s own bass singers, George Lloyd, to take Paul Robeson’s place. George had been a member of the audience who had listened to Robeson at the Mountain Ash Pavilion back in 1938 and, on being asked by his conductor to perform in Robeson's place, George is reported to have said, "Well if you think I can do it, I'll have a go!”
In a long but largely amateur singing career, George had sung with the Welsh National Opera, the Welsh Festival Choir and Sadlers Wells. His performance that day brought the capacity audience to its feet, and they gave him a deserved thunderous ovation. Dai Francis, the choir’s then President, writing in the National Union of Mineworkers magazine later said:
" This working man from South Wales will never forget the memorable occasion when he was called upon at such short notice to fill the breach caused by the illness of one of the world's most famous singers, and how wonderfully he acquitted himself"
George passed away in 1999 in his 80th year. He was a Life Member of Cwmbach Male Choir, and at that time, the only chorister to have served for 60 years. His funeral eulogy fondly recalled his proudest moment
The choir remain proud of their direct connection and performance with Paul Robeson and we thank them for supporting this important event, held in memory of this true giant
“Aluko does a fine job … First-rate … an admirable introduction to a great pioneering performer” 4 Stars The Guardian
“An unforgettable piece of political theatre.” Butterwort
“Music is a universal language, and Aluko speaks it beautifully” (Excellent Show) Fringe Review
“One of the most memorable plays” - Clive Anderson, Presenter, BBC R4 Loose Ends
“A triumph of the human spirit” Adelaide Advertiser
“A wonderfully uplifting and inspiring performance” (Outstanding Show) Fringe Review, Brighton Fringe
“A triumph” BroadwayWorld.com
“A stunning piece of musical theatre…. high quality drama, first class singing” OUTSTANDING SHOW! 5 Stars Fringe Review, Edinburgh Fringe
“An excellent and convincing performance … a gripping monologue… An inspiring production” 5 Stars Broadway Baby
"The first time I’ve ever cried on duty" - Male Usher, Bristol Old Vic
“An unforgettable piece of political theatre.” Butterwort
“Music is a universal language, and Aluko speaks it beautifully” (Excellent Show) Fringe Review
“One of the most memorable plays” - Clive Anderson, Presenter, BBC R4 Loose Ends
“A triumph of the human spirit” Adelaide Advertiser
“A wonderfully uplifting and inspiring performance” (Outstanding Show) Fringe Review, Brighton Fringe
“A triumph” BroadwayWorld.com
“A stunning piece of musical theatre…. high quality drama, first class singing” OUTSTANDING SHOW! 5 Stars Fringe Review, Edinburgh Fringe
“An excellent and convincing performance … a gripping monologue… An inspiring production” 5 Stars Broadway Baby
"The first time I’ve ever cried on duty" - Male Usher, Bristol Old Vic
August 2024
"In These Stones"
Rose Scribblah | Philip Chatfield | Deanne Mangold
Stained Glass | Painting | Stone Carving
"In These Stones" was a unique multi-discipline collaborative exhibition between Rose Scribblah (drawings), Deanne Mangold (stained glass) and Philip Chatfield (sculpture). The exhibition was themed around stone, and standing stones specifically, and was hosted during the period of the 2024 National Eisteddfod of Wales, hosted in Rhondda Cynon Taf. In addition to the exhibits themselves, visitors were also able to attend free talks and demonstrations by all three artists, plus an opening launch and closing celebration, hosted by the artists, in aid of Prostate Cancer UK
July 2024
Caradogfest | "Voices From Underground"
Each year, our July exhibition focuses on our annual weekend-long choral festival Caradogfest (www.caradogfest.com), celebrating "Aberdare, Town of Song"
Continuing our ongoing year long "Voices From Underground" commemoration of the locality's links with the mining industry , this year's Caradogfest exhibition focuses on Aberdare's world leading miner's safety lamp manufacturer, E. Thomas & Williams
The centrepiece of the exhibition is a digitised exhibit of the mining lamp collection of the late historian Brian Davies
St Elvan's was fortunate to work together with Brian on a National Lottery Heritage Fund supported "15 Minute Heritage" project, centred on E. Thomas & Williams, up to his untimely passing in December 2023
The centrepiece of the exhibition features a digital capture of Brian's full collection of 80 mining safety lamps, additional images centred on E. Thomas & Williams, plus the digital history of E. Thomas & Williams and an online trail relating to the history of this world leading mining safety lamp manufacturer, which still operates out of Aberdare to this day
The online history of E. Thomas & Williams, compiled by Rod Jenkins and edited by Brian Davies is available in the Heritage Resources section of our website here
The online trail of locations around Aberdare connected to E. Thomas & Williams is also available to view and follow in the Heritage Resources section of the site here
Information on Caradogfest, which this year takes place across the weekend of July 5th to 7th, is available here while information on our involvement in Voices From Underground and our SPF supported Cosmos, Collieries & Cynefin project and Coalfield Communities open photography projects are available here
Continuing our ongoing year long "Voices From Underground" commemoration of the locality's links with the mining industry , this year's Caradogfest exhibition focuses on Aberdare's world leading miner's safety lamp manufacturer, E. Thomas & Williams
The centrepiece of the exhibition is a digitised exhibit of the mining lamp collection of the late historian Brian Davies
St Elvan's was fortunate to work together with Brian on a National Lottery Heritage Fund supported "15 Minute Heritage" project, centred on E. Thomas & Williams, up to his untimely passing in December 2023
The centrepiece of the exhibition features a digital capture of Brian's full collection of 80 mining safety lamps, additional images centred on E. Thomas & Williams, plus the digital history of E. Thomas & Williams and an online trail relating to the history of this world leading mining safety lamp manufacturer, which still operates out of Aberdare to this day
The online history of E. Thomas & Williams, compiled by Rod Jenkins and edited by Brian Davies is available in the Heritage Resources section of our website here
The online trail of locations around Aberdare connected to E. Thomas & Williams is also available to view and follow in the Heritage Resources section of the site here
Information on Caradogfest, which this year takes place across the weekend of July 5th to 7th, is available here while information on our involvement in Voices From Underground and our SPF supported Cosmos, Collieries & Cynefin project and Coalfield Communities open photography projects are available here
June 2024
D-Day 80 | The Seven Sacraments
June 2024 featured twin exhibitions dedicated to the 80th anniversary of the D-Day Landings and, as part of the Churches Unlocked series each June, The Seven Sacraments of Faith
The D-Day exhibition was on display in our mezzanine gallery and featured interpretation panels, digital imagery by Sgt Chris Morgan, 1st Battalion Welsh Guards, and a display of Second World War items on kind loan from Cynon Valley Museum
The Seven Sacraments exhibition depicted the Seven Sacraments of the Anglican Church, displayed in the form of a trail which visitors could follow throughout the main body of the church
The locations of the trail remains available to follow, and can be found in the Heritage Resources section of the website here
The D-Day exhibition was on display in our mezzanine gallery and featured interpretation panels, digital imagery by Sgt Chris Morgan, 1st Battalion Welsh Guards, and a display of Second World War items on kind loan from Cynon Valley Museum
The Seven Sacraments exhibition depicted the Seven Sacraments of the Anglican Church, displayed in the form of a trail which visitors could follow throughout the main body of the church
The locations of the trail remains available to follow, and can be found in the Heritage Resources section of the website here
May 2024
Alan Salisbury - Abstract Landscapes
Alan Salisbury studied painting at Manchester and Liverpool Colleges of Art and the Royal College of Art, London. He has lived in Wales since 1974 and was formerly Principal Lecturer at the University of South Wales. He has been selected to exhibit in numerous national and international exhibitions gaining several prizes and awards over the years
"Recently I have returned to looking at landscape as a genre. These landscapes are imagined and invented spaces in which detritus from the natural world is represented in the painting and, on occasions, physically embedded into layers of resin
The fragility and vulnerability of nature faced with the pressures of climate change are forefront in my thinking"
Alan is one of Wales most widely respected artists and we were thrilled to have him exhibiting with us here at St Elvan's
"Recently I have returned to looking at landscape as a genre. These landscapes are imagined and invented spaces in which detritus from the natural world is represented in the painting and, on occasions, physically embedded into layers of resin
The fragility and vulnerability of nature faced with the pressures of climate change are forefront in my thinking"
Alan is one of Wales most widely respected artists and we were thrilled to have him exhibiting with us here at St Elvan's
April 2024
"The Human One"
Life, Death, Resurrection
Jeremy Thomas
An incredible and inspiring exhibition of thirty paintings that tell the story of the Life, Death and Resurrection of Jesus Christ, Jeremy Thomas' "The Human One" was with us at St Elvan's throughout Easter and April 2024
The thirty paintings in the exhibition are representative of the thirty pieces of silver that Judas received for his betrayal of Christ, and indeed thirty pieces of silver, together with additional symbolism, are contained within each image
The exhibition was FREE to view daily, Monday to Saturday from 10:00 to 16:00 throughout April, and also featured an illustrated talk by Father Robert Davies SSC on the images, as part of the April WAM (Words Art Music) Night, and by the artist himself on Friday April 24th
We were delighted to have Jeremy's work with us and look forward to hosting his Psalms exhibition in 2025
Merchandise from "The Human One" remains on sale at St Elvan's, while further information on the exhibition itself is available at www.jeremythomasart.co.uk/the-human-one
The thirty paintings in the exhibition are representative of the thirty pieces of silver that Judas received for his betrayal of Christ, and indeed thirty pieces of silver, together with additional symbolism, are contained within each image
The exhibition was FREE to view daily, Monday to Saturday from 10:00 to 16:00 throughout April, and also featured an illustrated talk by Father Robert Davies SSC on the images, as part of the April WAM (Words Art Music) Night, and by the artist himself on Friday April 24th
We were delighted to have Jeremy's work with us and look forward to hosting his Psalms exhibition in 2025
Merchandise from "The Human One" remains on sale at St Elvan's, while further information on the exhibition itself is available at www.jeremythomasart.co.uk/the-human-one
March 2024
Women's History Month
March saw twin exhibitions featuring iconic and inspirational Women of the Cynon Valley in our Mezzanine Gallery space, and also the Mothers Union "Rise Up" exhibition, aimed at highlighting and addressing the issue of domestic abuse, in the main body of the church
The month also featured a FREE event featuring the unveiling of a Blue Plaque for the prominent activist and campaigner Ceridwen Brown on International Women's Day, Friday March 8th, plus a FREE film screening of "Amelia Earhart - The First Grand Adventure" by Burry Port based composer and filmmaker Ceri John on Friday March 22nd
Content from the exhibition is now available to view in the Heritage Resources section of our website here
The month also featured a FREE event featuring the unveiling of a Blue Plaque for the prominent activist and campaigner Ceridwen Brown on International Women's Day, Friday March 8th, plus a FREE film screening of "Amelia Earhart - The First Grand Adventure" by Burry Port based composer and filmmaker Ceri John on Friday March 22nd
Content from the exhibition is now available to view in the Heritage Resources section of our website here
February 2024
Llwyau Garu | Welsh Love Spoons
Mike O'Sullivan
In February 2024, we were honoured to be the first venue to host the wonderful exhibition of large scale "Llwyau Garu | Welsh Lovespoons" by Mike O'Sullivan. Mike specialises in large scale pieces, many of which have a connection to the wood from which they are made. He has salvaged wood from collieries, chapels and more, and fashions each unique piece by hand, inspired by the very fabric and location from which his materials are drawn
Accompanying Mike's work was a FREE demonstration and talk on lovespoon making by David Keith Williams, which took place on Friday February 23rd from 13:00 to 15:00
A FREE clay lovespoon making workshop for children also took place during the half term holiday, on Monday February 12th
Accompanying Mike's work was a FREE demonstration and talk on lovespoon making by David Keith Williams, which took place on Friday February 23rd from 13:00 to 15:00
A FREE clay lovespoon making workshop for children also took place during the half term holiday, on Monday February 12th
January 2024
"Landscapes"
Gigi Jones
Gigi’s landscape-inspired work focuses on dramatic interactions of light and shadow that seem to have a subtext. Layers of texture and expressive mark-making have a powerful emotional impact and suggest a spiritual sense of place
“I find that the natural landscape somehow reflects the rhythms of the mind and is a metaphor for human emotion.”
Weather, sky, water, trees and other natural forms become stage props in the scenarios Gigi suggests. Her preferred painting medium is oil paint - sometimes mixed with cold wax, because of the textural possibilities that the material affords. Thick and thin layers can be applied and removed in a variety of ways allowing for greater luminosity and gestural nuance. In the same way, she is drawn to printmaking techniques that allow for a painterly approach, such as mono printing, where the precarious process of adding and subtracting ink seems to be a more direct conduit for expression and breathing life into a piece
After a nomadic childhood spent abroad, Gigi settled in Wales over 40 years ago. Memories of a youth spent living closely with Nature inform her approach to creativity. She lives near Caerphilly and works regularly from her studio in rural France.
www.gigijones.co.uk
www.facebook.com/GigiJonesArtist
www.instagram.com/gigijonesart
“I find that the natural landscape somehow reflects the rhythms of the mind and is a metaphor for human emotion.”
Weather, sky, water, trees and other natural forms become stage props in the scenarios Gigi suggests. Her preferred painting medium is oil paint - sometimes mixed with cold wax, because of the textural possibilities that the material affords. Thick and thin layers can be applied and removed in a variety of ways allowing for greater luminosity and gestural nuance. In the same way, she is drawn to printmaking techniques that allow for a painterly approach, such as mono printing, where the precarious process of adding and subtracting ink seems to be a more direct conduit for expression and breathing life into a piece
After a nomadic childhood spent abroad, Gigi settled in Wales over 40 years ago. Memories of a youth spent living closely with Nature inform her approach to creativity. She lives near Caerphilly and works regularly from her studio in rural France.
www.gigijones.co.uk
www.facebook.com/GigiJonesArtist
www.instagram.com/gigijonesart
December 2023
Santa's Grotto
www.stelvans.com/christmas-events
Each December, our exhibition space is closed in order to house our magical Santa's Grotto and Winter Wonderland
Full information on Santa's Grotto and additional Christmas events is available at www.stelvans.com/christmas-events
Full information on Santa's Grotto and additional Christmas events is available at www.stelvans.com/christmas-events
November 2023
"Lest We Forget"
War Art by Dan Peterson
plus digital photography by Sgt Chris Morgan, 1st Batallion Welsh Guards
and "Aberdare Cenotaph 100"
by St Elvan's Community Heritage Project Research Group
www.stelvans.com/aberdare-cenotaph
October 2023
William Haggar, Aberdare
Join us this October for our latest exhibition and a series of events around all things cinema, as St Elvan's hosts both the FREE Cynon Valley Film Festival, and visitors can also learn more about Aberdare's role in pioneering the art of film making, with the amazing early work of Welsh film pioneer William Haggar
Visit the digital display to learn more about Haggar, his history and works, and view a unique portrait of his "Kosy Kinema" plus early 20th century camera, on temporary loan from Cynon Valley Museum and Rhondda Cynon Taf Heritage Services
Cynon Valley Film Festival runs on October 13th and 14th and features a host of cutting edge film submissions from across the globe. For further information and FREE tickets, visit www.stelvans.com/film-festival
Visit the digital display to learn more about Haggar, his history and works, and view a unique portrait of his "Kosy Kinema" plus early 20th century camera, on temporary loan from Cynon Valley Museum and Rhondda Cynon Taf Heritage Services
Cynon Valley Film Festival runs on October 13th and 14th and features a host of cutting edge film submissions from across the globe. For further information and FREE tickets, visit www.stelvans.com/film-festival
August | September 2023
Prismatic Art - Retrospective Exhibition
Deanne Mangold
An Architectural Glass and Textile exploration by Deanne Mangold
August 2nd to 25th September | Monday to Saturday
10:00 to 16:00
St Elvan’s Church, Aberdare, Rhondda Cynon Taf, CF44 7AB
Tel: 01685 673 126
plus
FREE Meet the Artist Drop In Sessions
including demonstrations of how stained glass is created
Saturday August 12th & 19th | Saturday September 2nd, 9th & 23rd
10:00 to 16:00
A Closing Celebration of the Prismatic Art exhibition was held on Monday September 25th, which featured two open informal chat sessions with Deanne, and included a prize draw featuring the opportunity to win a piece of Deanne Mangold fused glass, with all proceeds in aid of the Motor Neurone Disease Association
*Please note, St Elvan’s frequently hosts events, workshops and services – please check ahead before travelling. The church is located in the heart of Aberdare town centre with the public High Street car park adjacent
Nearby Hirwaun Library also features a new stained glass window by Deanne, and is possible to visit during their regular opening hours
For additional information, locations of Deanne’s work throughout the valley, please contact the artist direct:
[email protected]
Tel: 07951 536 372
Class Glass Wales, 4 Aber Court, Ferry Boat close, Llansamlet, SWANSEA SA6 8PL
August 2nd to 25th September | Monday to Saturday
10:00 to 16:00
St Elvan’s Church, Aberdare, Rhondda Cynon Taf, CF44 7AB
Tel: 01685 673 126
plus
FREE Meet the Artist Drop In Sessions
including demonstrations of how stained glass is created
Saturday August 12th & 19th | Saturday September 2nd, 9th & 23rd
10:00 to 16:00
A Closing Celebration of the Prismatic Art exhibition was held on Monday September 25th, which featured two open informal chat sessions with Deanne, and included a prize draw featuring the opportunity to win a piece of Deanne Mangold fused glass, with all proceeds in aid of the Motor Neurone Disease Association
*Please note, St Elvan’s frequently hosts events, workshops and services – please check ahead before travelling. The church is located in the heart of Aberdare town centre with the public High Street car park adjacent
Nearby Hirwaun Library also features a new stained glass window by Deanne, and is possible to visit during their regular opening hours
For additional information, locations of Deanne’s work throughout the valley, please contact the artist direct:
[email protected]
Tel: 07951 536 372
Class Glass Wales, 4 Aber Court, Ferry Boat close, Llansamlet, SWANSEA SA6 8PL
July 2023
"Underground In Aberdare"
The mining safety lamps of E. Thomas & Williams
Mining Paintings by Nick Evans, Mags Keane & Karin Mear
plus "Y Côr Mouth" Caradogfest public recycled art piece
July's exhibition here at St Elvan's celebrated all things Aberdare!
The popular Caradogfest returned to Aberdare, with a second now annual celebration of the Côr Mawr and Aberdare - "Town of Song", plus we also celebrated one of Aberdare's truly inspiring success stories - the world leading mining safety lamp manufacturer, E Thomas & Williams
E Thomas & Williams is celebrated through a digital display chronicling the incredible story of the company's growth and contribution to saving countless lives in the mining industry across the globe, plus an exhibition of miners' lamps from the private collection of the renowned mining historian Brian Davies
The company's story was also accompanied by a series of mining inspired paintings by Mags Keane, Karin Mear and a unique opportunity to view a work by the famous Aberdare mining artist Nick Evans, which was placed on public display for the first time ever, here at St Elvan's
In addition to the live recreation of the Côr Mawr in the Caradogfest Gala Concert, the choir was also recreated in public art, with our "Côr Mouth" display, where members of the public were invited to contribute to recreating the 400 strong choir of 1872 | 73 in a large scale piece of recycled art
To learn more, and to view all of the above FREE, pop in to visit us Monday to Saturday from 10:00 to 16:00
Accompanying FREE Heritage Talks are also available as follows:
Friday July 21st
FREE Heritage Talk - The Artwork of Nicholas Evans
An illustrated talk on the life and work of Nicholas Evans by Elizabeth Blinkhorn
14:00 to 15:00
www.ticketsource.co.uk/stelvans/free-heritage-talk-the-mining-artwork-of-nicholas-evans/e-qppmkd
Thursday July 27th
FREE Heritage Talk - Brian Davies
E. Thomas & Williams, Aberdare
A FREE heritage talk on world leading mining safety lamp manufacturer E Thomas & Williams, Aberdare
14:00 to 15:00
www.ticketsource.co.uk/stelvans/free-heritage-talk-by-brian-davies-e-thomas-williams-aberdare/e-xrroky
The popular Caradogfest returned to Aberdare, with a second now annual celebration of the Côr Mawr and Aberdare - "Town of Song", plus we also celebrated one of Aberdare's truly inspiring success stories - the world leading mining safety lamp manufacturer, E Thomas & Williams
E Thomas & Williams is celebrated through a digital display chronicling the incredible story of the company's growth and contribution to saving countless lives in the mining industry across the globe, plus an exhibition of miners' lamps from the private collection of the renowned mining historian Brian Davies
The company's story was also accompanied by a series of mining inspired paintings by Mags Keane, Karin Mear and a unique opportunity to view a work by the famous Aberdare mining artist Nick Evans, which was placed on public display for the first time ever, here at St Elvan's
In addition to the live recreation of the Côr Mawr in the Caradogfest Gala Concert, the choir was also recreated in public art, with our "Côr Mouth" display, where members of the public were invited to contribute to recreating the 400 strong choir of 1872 | 73 in a large scale piece of recycled art
To learn more, and to view all of the above FREE, pop in to visit us Monday to Saturday from 10:00 to 16:00
Accompanying FREE Heritage Talks are also available as follows:
Friday July 21st
FREE Heritage Talk - The Artwork of Nicholas Evans
An illustrated talk on the life and work of Nicholas Evans by Elizabeth Blinkhorn
14:00 to 15:00
www.ticketsource.co.uk/stelvans/free-heritage-talk-the-mining-artwork-of-nicholas-evans/e-qppmkd
Thursday July 27th
FREE Heritage Talk - Brian Davies
E. Thomas & Williams, Aberdare
A FREE heritage talk on world leading mining safety lamp manufacturer E Thomas & Williams, Aberdare
14:00 to 15:00
www.ticketsource.co.uk/stelvans/free-heritage-talk-by-brian-davies-e-thomas-williams-aberdare/e-xrroky
Nick Evans (1907–2004)
Nick Evans is a painter, sculptor and teacher, born and lived in Aberdare, Mid Glamorgan, and sometimes exhibited as Nicholas Evans. Evans was self-taught as an artist and began painting at the age of 70, using his fingers and rags. His father was a miner and mining was a leading feature of his work, along with the Jewish Holocaust, of which he produced a record. Evans’ grim, large monochrome pictures of mining life in the 1920s and 1930s were featured in a solo show at St David’s Hall, Cardiff, in 1993. Evans was a Christian and Pentecostal lay preacher. He was aware of the link between scripture and the colliery, “the horrible pit”, as in his work included in Miner-Artists: The Art of Welsh Coal Workers at National Museum and Art Gallery, Cardiff, 2000
Nick Evans is a painter, sculptor and teacher, born and lived in Aberdare, Mid Glamorgan, and sometimes exhibited as Nicholas Evans. Evans was self-taught as an artist and began painting at the age of 70, using his fingers and rags. His father was a miner and mining was a leading feature of his work, along with the Jewish Holocaust, of which he produced a record. Evans’ grim, large monochrome pictures of mining life in the 1920s and 1930s were featured in a solo show at St David’s Hall, Cardiff, in 1993. Evans was a Christian and Pentecostal lay preacher. He was aware of the link between scripture and the colliery, “the horrible pit”, as in his work included in Miner-Artists: The Art of Welsh Coal Workers at National Museum and Art Gallery, Cardiff, 2000
Mags Keane
Mags Keane is a self-taught artist who has recently resumed painting again after more than 43 years
Mining in Mags' family goes back generations, and the vast majority of her artworks are her memories as a child, and the stories both her grandfather and father told her of their time working in the mines
Mags was born and grew up in Hirwaun, where she lived in Wind Street, a row of miners' cottages which consisted of two bedrooms and two rooms downstairs
Her artworks are a tribute to her hardworking parents and grandparents, and to all miners and their families everywhere
Karin Mear
Raised in Aberdare in the South Wales Valleys, Karin completed a foundation course in art & design in 1985 then, having raised two children, returned to full time education in 1994 to pursue an art degree course
Upon graduating Karin lived in London for a few years, followed by seventeen years in Brecon, before returning to Aberdare in 2018. While in Brecon, Karin was a founder of Brecon Women's Festival and is an organiser of its annual art exhibition
Working in paint, mixed media and found objects Karin's work draws upon the real histories of life in the Valleys and the personal narratives built from these along with current observations on life in general
June 2023
Aberdare Cenotaph 100
An exhibition marking the centenary of the Aberdare Cenotaph, in conjunction with Armed Forces Day month and the Rhondda Cynon Taf commemoration of the Cenotaph centenary in Aberdare on Sunday June 25th
Additional information on the Aberdare Cenotaph is available in the Heritage section of our website here
A concert by the Tacoma Concert Band of Seattle, Washington, USA, together with Lewis Merthyr Band and the massed male choirs of Cwmdare Voices & Pelenna Valley, was also held at the close of the month on Wednesday June 28th
Additional information on the Aberdare Cenotaph is available in the Heritage section of our website here
A concert by the Tacoma Concert Band of Seattle, Washington, USA, together with Lewis Merthyr Band and the massed male choirs of Cwmdare Voices & Pelenna Valley, was also held at the close of the month on Wednesday June 28th
May 2023
Not Necessarily Sew
Textiles Exhibition
Not Necessarily Sew, is a Welsh Textile group based at Fleur de Lys in the Rhymney valley. The group was formed in 2010 after collectively completing a City and Guilds course in creative embroidery.
Creatively, the group are all multi-disciplined and their work often combines drawing with fibres, wire, paper, plastics, alongside fabric decoration such as dyeing and printing
Their skill is to create original pieces with machined stitches and traditional hand embroidery methods which challenge the old view of needlecraft as a ‘repetitive exercise to fill in time’ and transforms it into new exciting Textile Art
Creatively, the group are all multi-disciplined and their work often combines drawing with fibres, wire, paper, plastics, alongside fabric decoration such as dyeing and printing
Their skill is to create original pieces with machined stitches and traditional hand embroidery methods which challenge the old view of needlecraft as a ‘repetitive exercise to fill in time’ and transforms it into new exciting Textile Art
April 11th to 27th 2023
Responses to The Blue Wedding Dress
Coleg Y Cymoedd
An exhibition of work by students studying on the Coleg Y Cymoedd Level 3 Extended Diploma Fashion and Costume course and also Foundation in Art & Design Fashion/Textile students
The exhibits include corsetry and construction techniques inspired by Renoir’s Blue Dress painting and the blue Victorian wedding dress that was recently on loan to St Elvan’s from St Fagan’s National Museum of History
Please note that the mezzanine gallery is a multi purpose space - please check that it’s accessible before making a special journey
The exhibits include corsetry and construction techniques inspired by Renoir’s Blue Dress painting and the blue Victorian wedding dress that was recently on loan to St Elvan’s from St Fagan’s National Museum of History
Please note that the mezzanine gallery is a multi purpose space - please check that it’s accessible before making a special journey
March 1st to 31st 2023
"Welsh Icons" - Barry Lewis
The architect of our resident quarter ton metal Welsh dragon “Gareth”, renowned Rhondda Cynon Taf sculptor Barry Lewis featured in an exhibition of his paintings featuring famous Welsh Icons
St David's Day was of course apt timing for a celebration of people who have helped make Wales great. This portrait exhibition featured not just the most recognisable Welsh stars of stage and screen, but also paid tribute to historical figures like Jemima Nicholas, who captured a dozen invading French troops with her pitchfork! Also featured was a portrait of the great Paul Robeson, an honorary Welshman due to the help and friendship he showed the people of South Wales
Quite a few of the portraits also depicted Welsh celebrities that Barry has met or worked with in his time as a television and film extra. These portraits give a more personal dimension to those individuals, more than the image normally just seen through a camera lens
Alongside the portraits are sculptural pieces Barry is better known for, including the giant dragon that once adorned the wall of Caerphilly Castle and smaller pieces which remain on display and available for sale here at St Elvan's
St David's Day was of course apt timing for a celebration of people who have helped make Wales great. This portrait exhibition featured not just the most recognisable Welsh stars of stage and screen, but also paid tribute to historical figures like Jemima Nicholas, who captured a dozen invading French troops with her pitchfork! Also featured was a portrait of the great Paul Robeson, an honorary Welshman due to the help and friendship he showed the people of South Wales
Quite a few of the portraits also depicted Welsh celebrities that Barry has met or worked with in his time as a television and film extra. These portraits give a more personal dimension to those individuals, more than the image normally just seen through a camera lens
Alongside the portraits are sculptural pieces Barry is better known for, including the giant dragon that once adorned the wall of Caerphilly Castle and smaller pieces which remain on display and available for sale here at St Elvan's
January 25th to March 2nd 2023
The Blue Wedding Dress
St Fagans National Museum of History
To open our 2023 season, St Elvan's was fortunate to host - for the first time ever on public display - a beautiful blue Victorian wedding dress, which was made in 1875 for a wedding at St Elvan's itself
The dress was loaned from St Fagan's National Museum of History. Inspired by Renoir's famous "La Parisienne", the dress was on public display at St Elvan's from Monday January 30th to Thursday March 2nd 2023
From February 4th to 24th, an additional selection of beautiful wedding dresses and photographs of weddings at St Elvan’s through the decades, from 1875 through to present day, was also on display, on temporary loan from members of the local community
The dress was loaned from St Fagan's National Museum of History. Inspired by Renoir's famous "La Parisienne", the dress was on public display at St Elvan's from Monday January 30th to Thursday March 2nd 2023
From February 4th to 24th, an additional selection of beautiful wedding dresses and photographs of weddings at St Elvan’s through the decades, from 1875 through to present day, was also on display, on temporary loan from members of the local community
November | December 2022
Remembrance | Christmas
Throughout November | December each year, St Elvan's plays host to a series of Remembrance and Christmas events, for which the exhibition series on our Mezzanine level is temporarily suspended. Exhibitions resumed from January onwards
October 2022
Cynon Valley Film Festival
An exhibition of period film posters, connected to the inaugural Cynon Valley Film Festival
The festival is now being hosted at St Elvan's each October
The festival is now being hosted at St Elvan's each October
September 2022
Cynon Valley Community Showcase
A community exhibition of award-winning and most highly commended exhibits from the Cynon Valley Community Show
Exhibits included high level pieces from talented community artists of all ages from both within the locality and beyond and were exhibited here at St Elvan's throughout September
Exhibits included high level pieces from talented community artists of all ages from both within the locality and beyond and were exhibited here at St Elvan's throughout September
July | August 2022
Caradogfest - "Here Be Dragons"
Marking the 150th anniversary of the achievements of Griffith Rhys "Caradog" Jones and the Aberdare centred Côr Mawr, St Elvan's proudly presented our summer 2022 collaborative exhibition, which featured the large scale dragon images of Linda Agostini, the community dragon art of Artsy Community, Kevin Broome and Christina Davies; plus the largest metal sculpture of the incredible Barry Lewis - a giant 4.5 x 3m Welsh dragon! Further information on Griffith Rhys "Caradog" Jones, the Côr Mawr and the wider Caradogfest, is available at www.caradogfest.com
May | June 2022
"Platinum" Jubilee
Royalty in RCT & The Metalwork Sculptures of Barry Lewis
Our Platinum Jubilee exhibition ran from May 9th to June 10th and was multifaceted in content. The first element featured digital historical images of Royal visits to Rhondda Cynon Taf, scrolling beneath aural recollections of those visits by local residents. The exhibition also featured models of the Crowns of the Commonwealth, created by Town Church Primary School, and finally, reflecting the "platinum" aspect of the Jubilee, the exhibition also featured the truly incredible metalwork sculptures of Rhondda sculptor Barry Lewis. Such was the popularity of Barry's works that many of these pieces remain with us and are available to view and purchase exclusively at St Elvan's
April 2022
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