Glynn Vivian Gallery, Swansea
Sat 15 Oct-Sun 8 Jan 2017
The time has finally arrived for not only the Welsh community, but also for the art community to drop their current commitments and rejoice as the Glynn Vivian Art Gallery, nestled in the heart of the Welsh seaside city of Swansea, will be returned to them this October for its grand re-opening.
The Glynn Vivian Gallery built a reputation as a vital Wales-based exhibition location but was in need of physical attention, thus temporary closing back in October 2011 which was felt by frequent and infrequent visitors alike. With the financial support of the Arts Council of Wales, Swansea Council, the Welsh Government and the Heritage Lottery Fund however, the multi-million price tag attached to these finalised schematics were commemoratively resolved and put into action.
Five long years passed as a voluminous and expensive redevelopment took place, with expansion and restoration often referred to as key descriptive words, as an extension was added to upgrade the building in addition to provide an easy access entrance to the public, cafe area, community space and many other contributing factors that will put this space back on the map for any art enthusiast.
In celebration of the venue’s revival, Leonardo da Vinci: Ten Drawings from the Royal Collection has been confirmed as one of many great exhibitions set to be unveiled at the newly restored gallery, with this travelling display exhibited until January next year. They were touring three separate galleries in the UK and Ireland. The drawings themselves were thought to have been obtained by King Charles ll in the 17th century.
The Royal Collection is one of the last European royal collections to stay intact and since 2002, there have been loans issued to 38 venues around the world, including four UK touring exhibitions. Only 300 of the 600 drawings collected have ever been on public display and the majority are likely never to see the light of day due to understandable hesitations regarding light exposure damage being a causative issue.
Admission: free. Info: 017 9251 6900 / www.glynnvivian.com NATHAN ROACH