Veterans' art exhibit in Penarth to reflect on Remembrance Day 2023

The event titled Veterans, Family, Wales will be running a first-of-its-kind exhibition at Turner House Gallery between November 6 and November 13.

The exhibit will feature original artwork made by dozens of veterans from across Wales, featuring historical trench art from WWI with two lectures on art and war.

Samantha Dinsdale-Brown, an RAF veteran and one of the artists, said: “To have this opportunity with Turner House in Penarth is fantastic.

Art on display from Left to right: Kindred Spirits - Sam Brown RAF, Remains of the Day - Barry John - Royal Welsh and Rob Taylor - Porthcawl - RAF. Picture: Jamie White (Image: Jamie White)“I thought that my art would never have the chance to get a platform like this, and since I've been painting, I’ve taken on a new lease of life.

“It’s amazing to be able to exhibit alongside so many other powerful pieces of work.”

The event was organised by charities that work with veterans, The VC Gallery and Woody’s Lodge which run a range of initiatives across Wales including 12 drop-in centres.

Both charities help veterans tackle issues such as social exclusion and PTSD, which are disproportionately high among ex-force personnel with art an important source of connection.

VC Gallery founder Barry John, MBE with one of the pieces of art (Image: Jamie White)VC Gallery founder Barry John said that he was delighted to be facilitating the exhibition in collaboration with Woody’s Lodge.

He said: “People have had the opportunity to be creative around their trauma or share a message with the rest of Wales.

“Some of the artworks really touch base with some historical war artists such as Graham Sutherland, so there's a real feel of Welsh heritage running through the show, and it gives a lot of non-military people the chance to see into another world.”

Left: Flat Holm Island - David Trotman - CEO Woody's Lodge and Right: The angels sweep in- Danny King - REME. Picture: Jamie White (Image: Jamie White)Besides the main exhibition, Turner House Gallery will be hosting two lectures to coincide with the show: Artists at Arms on Monday, November 6 and A History of Art & Conflict on Monday, November 13 from 6 p.m. until 8 p.m. on both days.

Woody’s Lodge CEO David Trotman added: “Woody’s was formed here in Penarth, so it’s great to be holding this exhibition here.

“I hope it will give these artists a presence that will be seen and heard by our politicians and decision-makers.

David Trotman - CEO Woody's Lodge. Picture: Jamie White (Image: Jamie White)

"But one of the greatest outcomes for me would be able to take this exhibition on tour.

"We hope to take it to north Wales and West Wales, and ultimately to somewhere like the Imperial.”