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10 May 2024 - 07 September 2024

Gregynog Gallery & Annexe 

National Treasures: Canaletto in Aberystwyth 

As part of the National Gallery’s 200th anniversary celebrations, Canaletto’s The Stonemason’s Yard is coming back to Wales. The loan of this work to Aberystwyth as part of the National Gallery’s National Treasures project, presents a rare opportunity to see the work outside of London and will form part of the Idyll and Industry exhibition, which spans two gallery spaces and 250 years of art.

Annexe

The display in our Annexe gallery tells the incredible story of how The Stonemason’s Yard, amongst other treasures, came to Wales as a refugee from bombing during the Second World War to be safely protected in the cavernous Manod slate mines. Through photographs, film and archival items from the collections of The National Gallery and The National Library of Wales, we follow these treasures’ journey from London to Aberystwyth, and then on to the slate mines of Manod near Blaenau Ffestiniog.


Gregynog Gallery 

The majestic Gregynog Gallery is the largest gallery space in Wales and will showcase Canaletto’s masterpiece as the centerpiece. Using The Stonemason’s Yard as a springboard, the exhibition will explore the Library’s national collection of Welsh landscape art.

Wales' contrasting landscapes weave a rich tapestry of the idyllic and the industrial, and this beautiful land continues to be a haven for artists who reimagine and redraw the contours of its hills and valleys. Whilst famous scenic views are celebrated, artists also find inspiration in industrial and urban areas. This exhibition includes works by classical artists such as Richard Wilson, J. M. W. Turner and Penry Williams alongside more modern works by artists like Graham Sutherland, Mary Lloyd Jones and Ernest Zobole.


View some of the works featured in the exhibition


Accessibility

An audio tour of the National Treasures: Canaletto in Aberystwyth - Idyll and Industry is available which includes audio descriptions for some items in the exhibitions. 

Large print guides are available at the gallery entrance. 

Photography

The Library allows taking photographs, without flash, for personal, non-commercial use, but please refrain from using tripods, flash photography and selfie sticks. It is the visitor’s responsibility not to infringe any laws relating to rights.

Families 

A ‘Looking at Art’ activity booklet, suitable for ages 7-11, is available at the gallery entrance. 

Food and Drink

Food and drink are not allowed in the Library's exhibition areas



Banner image: Detail of Canaletto, 1697 - 1768, The Stonemason’s Yard, about 1725 © The National Gallery, London