Throughout May, visitors to Nantclwyd y Dre historic house and gardens will have the opportunity to enjoy an exhibition of works by renowned artist Matthew Wood RCA.
Presented by Ffin y Parc Gallery as part of his 2025 artist residency organised by the Friends of Nantclwyd y Dre, the collection offers 20 new pieces that beautifully capture the essence of the higgledy-piggledy heritage attraction through Matthew’s unmistakable style, playing with light and movement.
Alongside the exhibition, the artist will host a programme of workshops, also taking place throughout May and June. Covering sketching, composition, and painting techniques in gouache, five standalone workshops will be available for public booking.
In addition to the public sessions, Matthew will lead a dedicated workshop for GCSE, A Level, and BTEC students on 28th May. This session will focus on enhancing students’ drawing and sketching abilities, while building a deeper understanding of perspective, light, tone, shading, and mark-making, through both direct observation and work from photographs.
Helen Job, Chairman of Nantclwyd y Dre Friends, said:
"We were delighted when Matthew Wood agreed to produce a series of paintings of this beautiful old house. He is a very successful and accomplished painter who produces wonderfully atmospheric work. Matthew has painted various National Trust properties and heritage sites across the UK and is represented by Oriel Ffin y Parc, where he will also be exhibiting further landscapes and interiors to run concurrently with our exhibition. He has captured something of the peace and timeless beauty of Nantclwyd y Dre. These are stunning works of art."
Councillor Emrys Wynne, Lead Member for Welsh Language, Culture and Heritage said:
“This is a fantastic to hear that Matthew’s bespoke pieces of Nantclwyd y Dre will be on display for all to see at the house, and it’s a great opportunity for some of our talented students across the County to learn from such an accomplished artist”.
Matthew’s public workshops will be held on 14th, and 21st May, and 4th and 11th June. The student workshop will take place on 28th May. All workshops will take place at Nantclwyd y Dre Castle Street, Ruthin, LL15 1DP.
For full details or to book a place, please contact Matthew Wood at 07790 018463 or email matthewwoodpaintings@gmail.com.
Nantclwyd y Dre historic house and gardens, is open to the public every Thursday, Friday and Saturday, 10.30am – 4.30pm (last admission 3.30pm; admission prices apply)