A CASTLE has dedicated a display to late Welsh artist Sir Kyffin Williams, described one of the defining artists of the 20th century.

Acting as a celebration of Welsh heritage, Bodelwyddan Castle & Park has created a 'permanent' Sir Kyffin Williams Staircase Hall at the site.

The castle had the artworks in storage and have been waiting to find the "most appropriate" setting.

The castle has now parted ways with the National Portrait Gallery; Last May, the Journal reported that the histroic house and museum had been forced to cut ties with the gallery after its funding was pulled.

Williams is famous for his "powerful" rugged landscapes. Born in Llangefni, his works typically drew inspiration from the Welsh landscape and farmlands.

Lorraine Lister, marketing officer at Bodelwyddan Castle and Trust, said: "Parting company with the National Portrait Gallery has given us so much more flexibility with our displays and is really enabling us to showcase some outstanding Welsh Art and celebrating heritage.

"The Staircase Hall now has a real identity. It is a place where people linger rather than just pass through.

"The paintings look fabulous in their new setting and in line with our family friendly ethos, we have a small table and easel in the area where our young visitors can try and draw like Kyffin."

Lorraine added that she had been 'longing' to display the works since she arrived at the castle, more than a year ago.

"I am a great fan of Sir Kyffin," she said. "His art is very accessible and appeals to a wide audience.

"I love his quote - 'I think I am the first painter that people in Wales have been able to relate to.'

"The paintings that we have on display are quite diverse. We had to take great care when selecting the location for the display - a major curatorial concern is always the level of light, especially when dealing with watercolours.

"We completed the area in a morning - the paintings almost seemed to select their own place, as though Sir Kyffin was guiding us."

There are four paintings on display and a 'rare' watercolour will be joining the display in the next couple of weeks. There is also a portrait of Sir Kyffin by Gordon Stuart. 

"We will be closely monitoring the light levels, as it does require additional curatorial care," Lorraine explained.

"It maybe that this particular artwork is on display for shorter periods of time to ensure that it is protected. I understand that it was quite a rare medium for Sir Kyffin to work in."

Over the next month, the castle will be bringing out more of their art from storage to display.

Lorraine said: "We hold some amazing pieces here at Bodelwyddan and I'm sure that Sir Kyffin Williams would approve of our aim to be a Gallery of Excellence for Welsh Art and Artists."