Monday 11 May 2009

'Waving not drowning......'


We went to an exhibition of sculpture and artworks – a retrospective viewing and sale of the works of John Cleal who died two years ago. A prolific artist and craftsman, he supported the communities of Pembrokeshire, often donating his sculptures and paintings to public places and for fund-raising.

I had met him many years before and learned that he produced the very first brochure for Quality Cottages. A series of ‘line drawings’ depicting the cottages and their interiors - in those days the properties were owned solely by the proprietor Leonard Rees.

Some of the sculptures were familiar pieces, not for sale thank goodness (I can continue to feast my eyes on them!) my favourite being a piece entitled ‘Waving not drowning’. Many people attended the opening day of the exhibition hosted by Johns’ daughter-in-law Alice who with her husband Mitchell and a handful of friends and family members, made the occasion more like a civilized party (glass of wine in hand of course).

Should you visit North Pembrokeshire it’s worth a visit – there are numerous other artists displaying, from garden structures to paintings, pots and glassware – variously priced and all beautiful. The gallery is situated off the A487 travelling westbound to Goodwick (near Fishguard) well sign-posted as Workshop Wales Gallery.
Sue A


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