Historic painting added to Powys museum and art gallery collection
Historic painting added to Powys museum and art gallery collection
A historic painting depicting a rural scene in the Brecon Beacons has been added to the collection at y Gaer Museum, Art Gallery and Library in Brecon, Powys County Council has said.
‘Figures in the Brecon Beacons with Sheep and Cows’ by John F. Tennant, dated 1855, has been acquired with support from the Arts Council England/V&A Purchase Grant Fund and a grant from local organisation the Brecknock Art Trust.
The artwork shows two people on horseback appearing to escort sheep and cows along a road, meeting a person sitting at the roadside, capturing a striking glimpse of rural life in the Brecon Beacons landscape.
Councillor Raiff Devlin, Cabinet Member for Customers, Digital and Community Services, said: “We are delighted to see this important painting added to the collection at Y Gaer. It offers a fascinating view of the Brecon Beacons and the rural life that has shaped this part of Powys for generations.
“Thanks to the support of the Arts Council England/V&A Purchase Grant Fund and the Brecknock Art Trust, residents and visitors will be able to enjoy and learn from this piece as part of Y Gaer’s growing collection. It is another example of how local heritage and culture can be protected, celebrated and made accessible for our communities.”
The painting, which is now on display at Y Gaer, was brought to the attention of museum staff by the Brecknock Art Trust.
The Brecknock Art Trust commented: “The Brecknock Art Fund is delighted to have been able to trace and help to buy at auction this delightful picture by John Frederick Tennant, painted in the 1850s while he was living and painting in and around Llangattock.
“The Trustees have been looking for one of Tennant's genre scenes set in the Usk Valley for some time and think this picture will greatly enrich the art collection at Y Gaer. There are plenty of questions to be asked and hopefully answered. What time of day is it, what time of the year, where is it painted and where are the sheep and cattle going?”
Residents and visitors are encouraged to visit Y Gaer to view the painting and explore the museum, art gallery and library’s wider collections. For more information about Y Gaer, including opening times, visit: https://storipowys.org.uk/visit-us/museums/y-gaer/
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