Wildflame Productions has been commissioned by BBC Wales and BBC Four to tell the full story of the riches of Welsh art and the places, people and history that inspired it.
The Story of Welsh Art (w/t) (3 x 60 min) is presented by broadcaster and art lover Huw Stephens. It is the first series about Welsh art broadcast to a BBC network audience and the first substantial look at visual art in Wales for two decades.
The Story of Welsh Art (w/t) travels the length and breadth of the country showing the full sweep of Welsh art from prehistoric times to the present day. The series celebrates the places and people that have inspired artists across the centuries from Bardsey Island to the slopes of Snowdonia, from a Neolithic burial chamber to an eighteenth-century ironworks, from Celtic crosses to video installations, revealing the artworks that form the rich tapestry of an often overlooked artistic tradition. With contributions from some of the most famous artists living and working in Wales today such as David Nash, Shani Rhys James and Bedwyr Williams, this will be an in-depth look at the country’s art and how it expresses the unique experiences of a nation and its people.
Paul Islwyn Thomas, CEO of Wildflame, says: “A whole generation has grown up without an engaging, inspiring and accessible doorway into their own national heritage, so a deep-dive into Welsh art is long overdue. We are delighted to be working with Huw Stephens on this series. He is hugely passionate about Welsh art and is the perfect presenter to open up this most fascinating story to a new audience. Wildflame is known for its ability to bring exceptional talent to productions, both on and off-screen, so we are delighted to be bringing this story alive with the help of some of the best names associated with Welsh art.”
Christina Macaulay, Commissioning Editor, BBC Wales, added: “This series is a real treat. In these strange Covid times we have missed being able to travel; to see places and to visit our churches, stately homes, museums and galleries. Now Huw Stephens is our companion on a journey round Wales and beyond to bring us these works of art. There are surprises, and it really is revelatory to see such a sweep of art in one series. No series like this can possibly cover every artist and work of art, but it will send viewers on their own journeys of discovery. And through our partnership with BBC Four and iPlayer, it can take Welsh art to a whole new audience.”
Christina Macaulay is the Commissioning Executive for BBC Wales with Stephen James-Yeoman for BBC Four. The Executive Producer for Wildflame Productions is Judith Winnan, the Series Producer is Ian Michael Jones and the Producer Steve Freer.
Jon Creamer
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