New outlets for photography in North Wales
In an age dominated by digital information technology, access to high quality photography has become
almost ubiquitous but the vast majority of these images are only viewed using electronic devices
(phones, tablets or computers) or even if printed, only seen in books or magazines. It could be argued
however that the potential impact of these images can be appreciated much more fully when viewed
as an enlarged fine print, preferably in ideal lighting conditions. Opportunities to see (or exhibit) high
quality photographs have been limited by the prohibitive costs of producing work printed to exhibition
standards and by the availability and running costs of appropriate gallery spaces. The level of interest
is such that in spite of these limitations and our relative geographic isolation, fine art photography in
North Wales is flourishing. This article is not intended to be exhaustive and has not included the more
established art galleries (e.g. Oriel Mostyn, Galeri Caernarfon, Pontio Bangor, Bodelwyddan Castle
Gallery) but instead concentrates on describing three of the more recent local ventures promoting
photography exclusively in North Wales and supporting this scene.
Oriel Colwyn – www.orielcolwyn.org
Theatr Colwyn on Abergele Road in Colwyn Bay is the oldest theatre in Wales but the photography
gallery on the first floor only opened in 2012 thanks in large part to the efforts of Curator and
practicing photographer Paul Sampson. With support from the Arts Council for Wales, the varied
program has featured shows both by internationally recognised and by established local practitioners
as well as trying to give a voice to up and coming photographers by including several exhibitions by
students from the FdA course in Coleg Llandrillo. Paul also runs Lightbox, a free monthly workshop for