Photographic work exhibited in 'Celebrating 25 years of the Wakelin Award', Glynn Vivian Art Gallery, Swansea

Photographic work from the Glynn Vivian's permanent collection was exhibited in 'Celebrating 25 years of the Wakelin award', Glynn Vivian Art Gallery, Swansea (23rd March - 1 September 2024).

This was a retrospective exhibition that brought together work from all the past winners of the Wakelin award.

The Wakelin award was founded in memory of Swansea-based artists, Richard and Rosemary Wakelin. The annual award is given to an artist living and working in Wales, whose work is purchased for the Glynn Vivian Art Gallery’s Permanent Collection.

Dr Peter Wakelin, said: “When we set up the Award after my mother died in 1998, we thought it would be something our parents would have enjoyed because of their love of the Glynn Vivian, and it would last for a few years. We never guessed that the scheme would continue to be so worthwhile for a quarter of a century. It’s fantastic to look back at all the artists the Award has supported in that time and the wealth of works that have been added to the Glynn Vivian collection to be enjoyed by the people of Swansea.”

Louise Burston, Chair of the Friends of the Glynn Vivian, added: “The Friends are very pleased to be involved with such a prestigious award. It is heartening to be able to support Welsh artists and contribute towards the gallery’s contemporary collection of art, plus it’s always fascinating to see whose work the nominated selector will choose. Over the years the award has gone to a splendidly diverse selection of artists from different disciplines and at different stages in their careers.”

Karen MacKinnon, Curator, Glynn Vivian Art Gallery, said: “The Wakelin Award has enabled the gallery for the past 25 years to acquire wonderful works for its permanent collection ... This exhibition is a celebration of what the award has achieved over so many years.”