Cadw has launched a new range of products by South Wales artist Gayle Rogers. These will be sold exclusively in the Castell Coch gift shop from this week. We visited Gayle at her gallery in Ynyshir to take a look at the new artwork.
Cadw approached Gayle at a trade fair after somebody bought one of her original Castell Coch phone covers. They asked her to create an exclusive range for Conwy castle and Harlech castle. These were a great success so they asked her to create a new design for Castell Coch
The heritage organisation worked with Gayle to develop an image that worked across products of all shapes and sizes. We saw prints, postcards, money boxes and magnets that all looked great.
The new line is now available to buy at the Castell Coch gift shop.
Gayle has a degree in fine art and a masters in furniture deign. After working as a community artist, upholsterer and in theatre set design, Gayle met her husband Chris Williams and moved to Cardiff. The couple ended up working in Ynyshir and took over the library next door after it was marked for closure.
The local community stepped up and helped them renovate the building, which is now the Workers Gallery and at the heart of the community. They feature local artists, run drawing classes and hold furniture restoration workshops. They also offer a photocopying service, supplying recycling bags and provide a free art library. Members of the gallery can show their work for free on the “People’s Art Wall”.
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