Module Information

The aims of the module are to:

A. to examine the history and practice of the fine and applied arts and visual culture in Wales since the 18th century (produced by artists in Wales and by Welsh artists working outside Wales) with reference to British and European art during the same period
B. to account for the emergent artistic culture and consider the significance of patronage and collecting, art education, museums and institutions, and artists? groups in Wales in the context of the political, economic and social climate
C. to focus on key artists and groups as exemplars of either a unique contribution to, or general trends in, art in Wales and study manifestations of art and visual culture against the background of Welsh culture generally, with particular reference to the revivals of religion and national consciousness
D. to consider the influence or adaptation of English, European and American traditions by specific Welsh artists from the 18th century to some of the most recent examples of art practice in Wales
E. to examine the practice of writing on art in Wales especially in relation to the late nineteenth-century agenda for Welsh art and art history, and recent texts dealing with notions of Welsh art and art and nationality
F. to engage in primary source research, artefact and textual analysis using the collections of the School of Art and National Library of Wales

The module (AH31420) examines the history and practice of the fine and applied arts in Wales since the 18th century. It focuses on the emergent artisitc culture in the context of the historical , political, social and religious history of Wales. It seeks to bring together visual artefacts with historical literature, including the growing body of contemporary research, with the intention of presenting both a general overview and a specialised insight into specific aspect of the subject. Fine and applied art made by Welsh artists (both in Wales and abroad), and by immigrant artists working in Wales, are studied in their European context. Key artists are discussed as exemplars of either a unique contribution to, or general trens in, art in Wales. The influence or adaptation of English, European and American traditions by specific Welsh artists is also examined, as well as some of the ost recent examples of art practice in Wales. The module also covers patronage and collecting, art education and institutions, and artists' groups in Wales. In particular, it examines writing on art in Wales dealing with notions of Welsh art and art and nationality. Lectures and seminars will be drawn from the following:

Art and National Revival

Culture and Society in 18th and 19th Century Wales.
Unearthing the Past: The Late 18th and 19th Century Antiquarian, Archaeological and Historical Study of Art in Wales from the Celtic to Pre-Reformation Period
Late 19th and Early 20th Century Speculations ont he Ideal Welsh Art
Acquisition and Attainment: Collecting for the Nation, the Davies Sisters and Gregynog
History in the Making: A Historiography of Art in Wales since 1900
Contemporary Research on the History of Art in Wales

Art and the Welsh Landscape

The 18th and 19th Century Topographical View
The Collection of Prints and Paintings at the National Library of Wales (Field Study)
Richard Wilson and the Classical Landscape Tradition
Making the Wilderness smile: Thomas Johnes of Hafod
A Prospect of Wales: The Photographic View
The Italianate in Wales: Clough Williams Ellis at Portmeirion
The Neo- Romantics in Wales: Graham Sutherland to John Elwyn
A Search for Wales: Kyffin Williams

Portraits and Prospects

Patronage and Society: Portrait Painting and Statuary from the Early 19th to the Early 20th Centuries
Augustus John and the London-Welsh Painters
The Swansea Contribution: Ceri Richards, Fred Janes, Dylan Thomas et al
A Search for Fame: the 56 Group Wales
Art and Industry: the South Wales' Landscape in the Late 18th and 19th Centuries
A Search for Wales 2 : Josef Herman and Will Roberts
George Chapman's Rhondda
Mining and Religion: Nicholas Evans
Art and Industry: Miner Artists
Dropping In and Dropping Out: the Craft Revival and Studio Pottery in Wales

• Independent project work
Project / Artefact Analysis and Interpretation Essay Seminar Preparation

• IT and information handling
Word Processing Internet Searches and Information Retrieval Database handling

• Writing in an academic context
Project / Artefact Analysis and Interpretation Essay

• Oral discussion and presentation
Seminar Discussions and Presentation

• Careers need awareness

The module is relevant to students considering museum work, art gallery administration or in public art organisations, or as a freelance curator and exhibition organiser in Wales.