Exhibitions at Dinefwr
A changing programme of displays highlight aspects of the history of Dinefwr in all its many facets from the designed landscape of the eighteenth century and the arts festivals of the sixties to contemporary perspectives of biodiversity and creative responses to the site.
What to expect?
The first floor of Newton House comprises a series of rooms that would once have been bedrooms. Taking inspiration from the ninth Lord Dynevor’s creative vision, they are now dedicated spaces for intriguing exhibitions that explore in more depth the history and life of the Dinefwr estate.
Castle of Culture: Dinefwr and the Spirit of the Sixties
Our newest exhibition celebrates the three years in the 1960s when Dinefwr became a vibrant centre for modern art, music, film and theatre promoted by the youthful ninth Lord Dynevor, Richard Rhys.
An exhibition curated by Dr Peter Wakelin which shares the story of the arts festivals that brought the spirit of the sixties to the west Wales countryside.
Richard Rhys inherited the estate and became Lord Dynevor when he was 27; alongside his wife Lucy Rothenstein they drew on their background in theatre, and hers in visual art, to create the series of festivals.
Find out how the venture was supported by some of the great names of the era, including Richard Burton, Sir Geraint Evans, Alun Hoddinott, Emyr Humphreys, Cleo Laine, Ceri Richards, Sir Michael Tippett and Malcolm Williamson.
His ambitions to create a permanent arts centre and national theatre never came to fruition, but for a shining moment, Dinefwr was a castle of culture.
The Discovery Room: biodiversity at Dinefwr
Dinefwr’s deep history is represented within a contemporary timeline which meanders across the walls revealing the story behind this ancient landscape.
It features Lady Cecil Rice’s portrait, reflecting on her impact on the designed parkland in the eighteenth century.
The display was created by local Carmarthenshire artist Julia Griffiths Jones and designer Heidi Baker.
Centre-stage in the room are fine ceramic fungi models reflecting on the biodiversity of the estate. They are on loan from the British Mycological Society with thanks to the National Botanic Garden of Wales.
The Landscape Room
As part of our ‘Treasured Land’ programme the Landscape Room reveals four significant and rare oil paintings, which speak of the wealth, status and aspirations of the estate and the family who owned it.
Completed by an unknown artist, documentation regarding the paintings is minimal and research is ongoing, however it is thought that they were probably commissioned to celebrate the stewardship of Griffith Rice, who was MP for Carmarthenshire from 1701-10.
Find out how a tiny detail within the paint analysis revealed the true age of the artworks.
Archaeology of Home
From a hand-forged nail or a scrap of hand-printed wallpaper, to a piece of decorative plaster work from the original ornate ceilings, the objects within this exhibition reveal much about the ‘Archaeology of Home’.
Fragments and materials from Dinefwr’s collection that offer a fascinating glimpse into the historical building materials and decorative techniques used at Newton House since it was built in the 17th century.
A short film offers insight into the craftmanship, techniques and skill embodied in Newton House’s cornicework and ceilings.
Contemporary art
Throughout the exhibition space and within Newton House itself we provide a platform for contemporary creative practitioners to respond to the long history of the site and the estate.
Look out for pieces by Isabel Porch, Ainsley Hillard, Hannah Walters and John Abel.
You may be interested in
Visiting Newton House at Dinefwr
Nestled in Dinefwr’s parkland near Llandeilo, Newton House is a relaxed and informal Welsh country house. A visit here incorporates both the historic and the contemporary.
History of Dinefwr
Reclaimed by the descendants of a powerful Welsh Prince, Dinefwr Park and Newton House were home to the Rhys/Rice family for over 300 years.
Explore the parkland at Dinefwr
Take a stroll through Dinefwr Park near Llandeilo, a stunning 800-acre estate where you can spot a variety of wildlife and some of the oldest trees in Britain.