Meet in the courtyard

£5 for season pass holders

£16.50 for non-season pass holders.  This includes admission to the castle and gardens as well as the tour.

Pay on the day at the ticket office

We hope to arrange a buffet lunch at Maria’s restaurant to follow the tour.  You are, however, welcome to bring your own picnic lunch.

Please let Cathy Arthur know whether you would like to join us for the tour and, possibly, the lunch.

Cathyarthur01@yahoo.com

New Creamson Farm, Uzmaston, SA62 4PA

See "Documents" menu for application form.

‘Strange Beauties’, a retrospective exhibition of the work of Gwen John, to mark the 150th anniversary of her birth.

To celebrate this occasion and following David Boyd Hancock’s lecture on the life and times of Gwen John, the Society organised a coach trip to Cardiff’s National Museum of Wales.

This landmark exhibition brought together rarely seen works from collections around the world, the opportunity to view so many of her pieces in one place was not to be missed.

Our group of around 30 members and friends boarded at pick-up points in Haverfordwest, Penblewin and Carmarthen, arriving in good time at the Hilton Cardiff for lunch ahead of our 2:30 pm exhibition slot.

Inside the exhibition, we were able to view John’s drawings, paintings and sketches at close quarters which were intimate, revealing and quietly beautiful. Often presented in series, her portraits of nuns and young women in repose were particularly haunting, reflecting her sensitivity to tone and atmosphere. For me, they carried a strong emotional resonance. 

On a practical note, the transport arrangements ensured a smooth and trouble-free visit. Many thanks to Annie, who organised everything but, unfortunately, was unable to join us.

Ann Maria Thomas 27/4/26

Dinefwr’s long history is many-layered and has been instrumental in shaping and reflecting the development of Wales as a nation. Newton House, the Jacobean mansion at the heart of the estate, is a place to relax and reflect while enjoying a contemporary take on the history of Dinefwr through changing exhibitions.  Pause in the garden and savour views out to the deer park, then follow pathways through the historic parkland, protected as a National Nature Reserve, with its flower-rich hay meadows, dense ancient woodland and veteran trees.

Text taken from the National Trust Handbook

Please click on https://tasww.org.uk/DocumentStore/Newton%20House%20booking%20form.pdf

We all enjoyed a lovely visit today to the Dylan Thomas Boathouse and Writing Shed in Laugharne. Our Guide was informative and there was plenty of time to explore the rooms and artefacts. We stayed for a Cawl and Cheese lunch...all very traditional!

On a warm autumn day in September a group of 13 members drove to Llanerchaeron, a National Trust property lying in a peaceful Ceredigion valley. A small country estate surrounds the Grade 2 listed building designed by John Nash; an early example of his work built in the 1790's. Our knowledgeable guide took us on a fascinating  tour of the house and told us about its history.  We were then free to visit the walled gardens and outbuildings before lunch at the Harbourmaster in Aberaeron. 

Many of us determined to return in the spring when the apple orchards would be in bloom....well worth a second visit. 

Home of the Allen family for 250 years, the fine stone façade of Cresselly presents a lovely symmetry as you approach the house from the main drive.

The three-storey centre section, built in 1770, is flanked by two-storey wings added nearly a hundred years later and was the work of Clarke and Holland of Newmarket, Suffolk, who also worked for Lady Catherine Allen’s brother, the Earl of Portsmouth. The house contains good plasterwork and fittings of both periods.

Cresselly is a handsome and inviting old country house with a long history of hospitality and good living. The visitors’ book, going back a hundred years, records the regular arrivals and departures of aristocrats and gentry invited for country and sporting gatherings, and the same tradition of welcoming the guest is enthusiastically carried on today by Hugh Harrison-Allen.

The story begins when French ships approached Fishguard, led by William Tate. Most of the French soldiers had been kitted out in British uniforms dyed dark blue.  A company of grenadiers landed at Carreg Wastad and took over Trehowel Farm, which became Tate’s headquarters.

When one of the French ships entered Fishguard Bay, the alarm was raised and one of the “Fishguard Volunteers” rushed to Tregwynt Mansion to alert Lieutenant Colonel Thomas Knox who was dining there. At first he gave it little credence, but as the seriousness of the situation dawned on him he instructed volunteers to make for the Fort.  Lord Cawdor set off from Haverfordwest to reinforce Knox.

Following the landing, the French had moved a further two miles inland and occupied two strong defensive positions at Garnwnda and Garngelli. Thus far all had gone well for Tate. Knox being heavily outnumbered abandoned Fishguard .

Knox and his men met reinforcements at Trefgarne, and Lord Cawdor led the forces back towards Fishguard.  By this time Tate’s fortunes had changed . Many of the foraging parties resorted to pillaging local farms and Llanwnda Church. French orders had instructed Castagnier’s squadron to sail away leaving the soldiers isolated, with no means of escape and increasingly demoralised.

Meanwhile British Soldiers were gathering at Fishguard where the officers were stationed overnight in what is now called the Royal Oak Inn. The local heroine, Jemima Nicholas, is said to have captured soldiers single-handedly and secured them in St Mary’s Church.

That evening, two French delegates arrived at the Royal Oak to negotiate a conditional surrender. But Cawdor, with magnificent bluff, replied that with his superior numbers he would only accept an unconditional surrender, otherwise the French would be attacked. The following morning the British forces were lined up in battle order, reinforced by hundreds of civilians to await Tate’s response. Tate accepted the terms and finally with drums beating, the French marched down to Goodwick Beach, where they stacked their weapons.

On a wonderfully sunny day in June a group of Members enjoyed a wonderful guided tour of Tenby.

Our Blue Badge guide Marion Davies was informative and knowledgeable and opened our eyes to the hidden gems and unfolded the fascinating history of the town.  Many of us have lived in Pembrokeshire for some time and feel we know the history of our towns and villages – but Marion demonstrated there is always something new to learn!  It was so interesting to have our attention drawn to the architectural clues and history of Tenby that are hidden in plain sight.

Those of us that had booked to go on the tour were richly rewarded.

Dyrham Park is a baroque country house in an ancient deer park near the village of Dyrham in South Gloucestershire, England. The house, attached orangery, stable block and 

accompanying parish church are Grade I listed buildings, while the park is Grade II* listed on the National Register of Historic Parks and Gardens. 

The current house was built for William Blathwayt in stages during the 17th and early 18th centuries on the site of a previous manor house, with the final facade being designed by 

William Talman. It contains art works and furniture from around the world, particularly 

Holland, and includes a collection of Dutch Masters. The house is linked to the 13th-century church of St Peter, where many of the Blathwayt family are buried. The house is surrounded by 274 acres (111 ha) of formal gardens, and parkland which supports a herd of fallow deer. The grounds, which were originally laid out by George London and later developed by Charles Harcourt Masters, include water features and statuary. 

The house and estate are now owned by the National Trust and underwent extensive 

renovation in 2014 and 2015. They are open to the public on some days and host events and attractions, including open-air concerts. They have also been used as a location for film and television productions.

Blenheim Palace is a monumental country house in Woodstock, Oxfordshire, England. It is the principal residence of the Dukes of Marlborough, and the only non-royal, non-episcopal country house in England to hold the title of palace. The palace, one of England's largest 

houses, was built between 1705 and 1722, and designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1987.[ 

The palace is named for the 1704 Battle of Blenheim, and thus ultimately after Blindheim (also known as Blenheim) in Bavaria. It was originally intended to be a reward to John Churchill, 1st Duke of Marlborough for his military triumphs against the French and Bavarians in the War of the Spanish Succession, culminating in the Battle of Blenheim. The land was given as a gift, and construction began in 1705, with some financial support from Queen Anne. The 

project soon became the subject of political infighting, with the Crown cancelling further 

financial support in 1712, Marlborough's three-year voluntary exile to the Continent, the fall from influence of his duchy and lasting damage to the reputation of the architect Sir John Vanbrugh. 

Designed in the rare, and short-lived, English Baroque style, architectural appreciation of the palace is as divided today as it was in the 1720s.[3] It is unique in its combined use as a 

family home, mausoleum and national monument. The palace is notable as the birthplace and ancestral home of Sir Winston Churchill. 

Oxford

A Welsh Georgian Gem
Said to be one of the finest examples of early Georgian architecture, Llanelly House is a “Welsh Georgian Gem” - the heartbeat of Llanelli town centre. A magnificent restoration programme completed in 2013 has created a wonderful salute to its past while reimagining the interior as a unique Bistro, Event Space and Wedding Venue.
Within these historic walls, glimpse the rich history and scandalous secrets of Llanelli in the 18th and 19th Centuries on the House Tour.
 
There is ample parking in the long stay car park (SA15 3JH) or the short stay (SA15 3BD).  The train station is a 15-20 minute walk away.

In February we will be hosting a new tour, 'The Art of Picton'. We will be exploring the art work in the Trust's care, and it will be an opportunity to see parts of our art collection that are not normally on display. This includes some wonderful 16th and 17th century art, our Antonis Mor, the 'Picton Renoir', and our Sutherland portraits. We will also put on display some rarely seen paintings such as a sketch by Constable sketch and a Kyffin Williams.

The theme for talk in March will be the 'The Families of Picton'. We will be looking at 800 years of history from the early medieval families to the Philipps's who have been here since 1491. This is a fascinating history of one of the most important seats of wealth and power in Pembrokeshire, and indeed many individuals have been national figures. 'The Families of Picton’ is a fascinating history of knights of the crusades, poets, philanthropists, and courtesans!

After the tour there will be light refreshments in the Great Hall. The tour and refreshments will take around an 1hr & 1/2  to 2 hours. These events will be taking place on alternative Wednesdays and Sundays through February and March. Tickets for these specialist tours cost £8 and are free for season ticket holders (in addition to garden entry).

We are also have the last few opportunities to join our 'Behind the Scene Tours.’ These tours guide our visitors around the upper parts of the Castle that you don't normally get to see. We even get to out onto the roof of the medieval gatehouse (weather permitting). 

There are more details on these tours in the flyers attached, on our website and on our blog at  https://www.pictoncastle.co.uk

I would really appreciate it if you could forward this information to the members of your group. If anyone is interested in any of these events for either individual or group bookings please contact us at the the Castle on 01437 751326 or info@pictoncastle.co.uk

We will be hosting other specialist interest tours through the spring and summer. Details of which will be available online or sent to you if you are happy to receive them.

On a bright sunny day in October we had a splendid ‘Special Interest Day’ at the National Library, in Aberystwyth.  It was a fascinating visit and we were privileged to see items from the archives and have knowledgeable guides expand on the purpose of the National Library.  

The work and life of Welsh painter Kyffin Williams was highlighted with specific items of his work held by the museum.  A large refurbishing project is underway and we were shown the ongoing art and conservation work

"The Other Place’ (referencing ‘Hamlet’!) is situated a short distance from the RSC Theatre, alongside the River Avon. This square, steel structure which houses a brand new 200-seat studio theatre was built in 11 months to host performances by the RSC while the Swan Theatre, Stratford was closed for redevelopment between 2007 and 2010.  It is now a creative hub for learning, research and development; and houses rehearsal spaces, a gallery where actors can rehearse flying and bungee jumps as well as an extensive costume store.   

Our well-informed guide was enthusiastic and we learned much about casting procedures, rehearsals, voice coaching and the function and history of ‘The Other Place’.  We heard first-hand accounts of the rehearsal process and how costumes and props used in rehearsals can influence performance.  The vast costume store, housing 60,000 costumes was remarkable.  Each costume is laundered and cleaned after every performance, including matinees.  The hour long tour provided a most interesting backdrop to the productions we attended. 

The RSC Productions

Kunene and the King 

This excellent production was showing at the Swan Theatre, Stratford. Written and performed by John Kani together with Sir Anthony Sher, the production marks 25 years since the ending of apartheid. 

The play relays the uneasy relationship between a dying South African actor cast as King Lear and a South African nurse who looks after him and helps him to learn his lines. Their relationship examines the very foundation on which South Africa’s fragile democracy is built. 

In essence, the play is a compassionate character study, which examines the weighty issues of terminal illness, race and the legacy of apartheid with a light touch and a degree of humour. Anthony Sher is magnificent as the dying actor, both tragic and comic in equal parts. And his portrayal of Lear throws up many metaphors about South Africa: a divided kingdom and a king out of touch with his people. Shakespeare lives!

The Taming of the Shrew

The RSC Theatre’s thrusting stage, replicates early Courtyard theatres, and creates a strong sense of intimacy with the audience and on this occasion as ever Shakespeare’s play lent itself to contemporary interpretation – for some exciting and for others too distorting. Nevertheless, the artistic direction and performances were outstanding.

This production of the ‘Taming of the Shrew’ challenges assumptions about the play of power between women and men.  The women swaggered in their sumptuous dresses with swords attached while the men appeared almost demure in their doublet and hose. The production sets up a situation where ‘Petrucia’ (otherwise Petrucio) is a woman played by a woman while Katherine/ Kate is a man played by a man.  Female Petrucia was fun, likeable, bold and strong and gave us wonderful theatre.  However there was nothing of the shrew in Kate, who seemed more petulant teenager than shrew. 

Even with gender-swapping , the play ending was challenging.  The abuse visited upon the male Kate was disturbing.  The text spoken by a woman did not soften the message.  This is ultimately a production which shines dramatic light on the potential of power for abuse and ugliness.
 
The production certainly provoked discussion within our group! Some loved it whilst others found it unnecessarily confusing.  The live music combined with various electronic effects gave an arresting soundscape, which some found brilliant and others jarring. 

As You Like It

This pastoral comedy casts a critical eye on social practices that produce injustice and unhappiness.  It subverts the traditional roles of romance in a riotous combination of feisty gender reversal. Ganymede impersonates Rosalind, originally a boy actor, who was playing a girl disguised as a boy impersonating a girl. Lost? Don’t worry ‘All’s Well that Ends Well’, as Shakespeare once said.

With love as the central theme, there are more songs than in any other of his plays, notably ‘’Twas a lover and his Lass’. The misogynistic melancholy of Jacques is lucidly delivered in the enigmatic speech ‘All the World’s a stage’ based on the seven ages of ‘man’.

Lovesick Orlando dispatched his questionable poetry on post- it notes stuck on an unsuspecting member of the audience. Touchstone, the hilarious court jester, was a gem in his plaid trousers and dodgy haircut. His ‘wisdom’, finally, establishing the contentment found in country life.

The ever-optimistic Rosalind gave a boisterously physical performance. She delivers the epilogue in prose with the play ending in reconciliation, forgiveness, rejoicing and merrymaking. As the clouds of confusion lift there is a triple wedding to enjoy . 

For those those who had not previously visited Compton Verney, its visual impact surpassed expectations revealing an exquisite juxtaposition of Robert Adam architecture with parkland designed by Lancelot “Capability” Brown.  

Following a warm welcome and a brief introduction to the house and its contents we were encouraged to explore at our leisure the galleries displaying world-class paintings and other works of art. These include: Neapolitan paintings; British portraits; Northern European paintings and early sculpture, together with the UK’s largest collection of British folk art. We were also fortunate enough to catch the exhibition ‘Painting Childhood – from Holbein to Freud’. For each of us there were collections and features of special relevance.  For some the enigmatic Chinese bronzes were of particular interest. For others the visual impact of the relatively new folk art gallery was very special; and a small portrait of Lord Hamilton and the first Lady Hamilton of Slebech, Pembrokeshire also attracted the attention of this West Wales group. 

By way of contrast, it was pleasure to wander through the parkland on such a sunny spring day. Finally, leaving just enough time to visit the shop, we bid farewell to a truly impressive house and gallery.

Located in the city centre, Coventry cathedral is a truly dramatic and magnificent testament to faith, hope and forgiveness in the face of adversity.  On that fateful day in November 1940 when incendiary bombs were dropped on the city the medieval cathedral was left in ruins, prompting the creation of Basil Spence’s ‘new’ cathedral adjoining the ruins and architecturally in sympathy with them. 

As one enters the new cathedral, Sutherland’s magnificent, eerily Byzantine tapestry of ‘Christ in Glory’ can be seen behind the High Altar covering the whole wall.  On one’s right is Piper’s stunning and breathtaking Baptistry window of stained glass, again floor to ceiling.  Also of particular interest is the Great West Screen, a glass wall adorned with engraved saints and dancing angels.  

Our morning was full of interest, added to which we were most fortunate with our two very informative guides.  They took us through the history of Coventry from Lady Godiva to the birth of the motor industry.  Many in the group skipped lunch in order to spend as much time as possible exploring this fascinating building. 

We had a very successful Special Interest Day at Cardigan Castle last Tuesday.  The weather was glorious and the views across the Teifi were splendid.  Our guide Glen Johnson was extremely knowledgeable and his keen interest and enthusiasm brought the ancient historical site to life.
After the guided tour of the historic walls and its 900 years of history we had time to visit the restored Georgian mansion before an excellent lunch in Restaurant 1176.

William ‘Billy’ Burges was short, fat and bad-tempered. He was also a genius who created

some of the most extraordinary buildings of the Nineteenth Century. Completely immersed in

the world of the Middle Ages, he designed Churches, castles, bridges, interiors, furniture,

textiles, metalwork and jewellery for his few, equally individual clients. Loved by pop stars and

poets alike, Burges’s eccentric world and many of his creations are illustrated in this fascinating

and enjoyable study day.

Art in the Garden of God:

Power Propaganda and the Popes:

10.00 am The Castle grounds and Courtyard Restaurant open for coffee
11.00 am -12.00 am Lecture Theatre ‘The Art of Collecting Antiques’
12.00 pm - An opportunity to visit the gift shop, gallery & plant stalls
12.30 - 14.30 Lunch at the Courtyard Restaurant
14.30 - 16.00 David Wynford Evans will present an entertaining and humorous afternoon looking at a selection of antique objects brought by Society Members.

Dai cannot give valuations on the objects and any brought are at your own risk.

The ticket price is £35 which includes a morning coffee & lunch. Places are limited to 40 on a first come basis. A separate charge of £4.50 (a special rate as it’s normally £7 for adults £6 for seniors) to enter the Castle & Gardens has been arranged for The Arts Society members who show their cards.

Members who are Picton Castle season ticket holders will of course have free entry to Picton but will need to purchase the tickets for the Study Day & Lunch
 

1. Entry to the Globe Exhibition, a private guided tour of the Globe Theatre, and an Elizabethan dressing demonstration.
2. A private guided tour at Tate Modern ‘Interpreting Modern Art’

The price including lunch : £34.50 for adults £33 for seniors.
Tour Schedule

11.00am: arrival
11.15am - 12.00pm Globe Tour
12.00pm – 1.00pm Lunch at The Swan
1.00pm - 2.15pm Exhibition
2.15pm – 2.45pm dressing demo
2.45pm-3.00pm walk to Tate
3.00pm – 4.00pm Tate tour
4.00pm: finish

Their aim was threefold: to revive British art; to make it as dynamic, powerful and creative as the late medieval and early Renaissance works created before the time of the Italian artist Raphael; and to find ways of expressing both nature and true emotions in art.

Guided Tour & Evening Opera Cavalleria Rusticana

Charles Rennie Mackintosh (7 June 1868 – 10 December 1928) was a Scottish architect, designer, water colourist and artist. His artistic approach had much in common with European Symbolism. His work, alongside that of his wife Margaret Macdonald, was influential on European design movements such as Art Nouveau and Secessionism and praised by great modernists such as Josef Hoffmann. Mackintosh was born in Glasgow and died in London. He is among the most important figures of Modern Style (British Art Nouveau style).

 The three stained glass windows for the Royal Chapel in Conway Castle. (her work)

Tŷ’r Pererin - Education and Pilgrimage Centre

The lecture considers art of the period 1100 -1500 interpreting forms and characteristics including graffiti, sculpture, shapes, body language etc. to uncover meaning. Why, for example are baptismal fonts typically octagonal, how to spot a saint, what is the significance of a hedgehog in Mediaeval art? What significance is carried by images in manuscripts?

IN his bold new exhibition at Picton Castle, artist Ian Jacob offers a unique view of the Pembrokeshire landscape as he walks in the footsteps of Graham Sutherland.

With its bold execution, vibrant palette and innovative use of mixed media, Ian Jacob's work offers a fresh and arresting perspective on the landscape that sparked some of Graham Sutherland's greatest paintings.

Born and raised in the Pembrokeshire village of Llangwm, Ian has walked in Sutherland's footsteps since childhood. His intimate knowledge of the landscape surrounding his riverside home informs his latest body of work, exhibited in the same gallery that once housed many of Sutherland's Pembrokeshire paintings.