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In 1844 David Cox came to
Betws y Coed and according to the art historian Peter Lord the next 50 years
saw some 2000 painters follow his example.
Not only did they find the sublime landscape in perfect harmony with
the romantic ideal, but they and their focus formed the basis of what has
become tourism in North Wales today.
The direct consequence of the Betws y Coed
venture was the formation of the Royal Cambrian Academy, located at Conwy -
one of the few national institutions that has not relinquished its hold to
South Wales. The Academy has recently developed a new chapter with a
new gallery and an increasingly professional membership, a major attraction
in the area, inevitably reflecting the celebration of Snowdonia.
It flourishes as a professional institution.
Painters now may have a
lower profile, but only because their focus is shared by other media
especially the photograph; the sublime has lost none of its magic.
We tend to see with our
selective minds before we see with our eyes. This supports the wisdom of
publications for all interests. Interpretation is a whole area that must be
realised it imparts information, represents pride and invitation, and could
establish a premise for economic expansion.
A publication on painters
in the area is being undertaken. The Napoleonic wars inhibited the
cultural visits to Italy and precipitated the "discovery" of the
British sublime landscapes. Snowdonia was a serious contender for top of the
list. It boasts the father of British landscape painting Richard
Wilson (born at Penygoes) followed by the Varley brothers, Turner, Cotman,
Peter De Wint, Augustus John and John Piper (who lived in Nant Ffrancon).
Snowdonia remains the hunting ground for many, headed perhaps by the
President of the Royal Cambrian Academy Sir Kyffin Williams.
It is worthwhile
considering the impact Wordsworth still has on tourism in the Lake District
The painter of such
landscape takes on a perilous task an unlimited choice of chaotic drama in a
constantly changing light. He must travel prepared for sun or cloudburst and
make what he can of the day and any part of it. He therefore develops a
working method that is complex, unrelated to normal working hours, and he
must always be ready to change direction and location.
The
park and ride concept shows a total lack of understanding for working method
and would undermine the seriousness of intent. It would accommodate no more than an
uncomfortable access to an amateurish encounter.
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