Mostyn Gallery, North Wales. Being at the periphery of the art market is a blessing
Llandudno, a seaside town. Lady Augusta Mostyn gave the first donation – in 2010, the gallery reopened its doors after a £5 million refurbishment
Mostyn Gallery, North Wales: A Peripheral Gem in the Art Market
Located in Llandudno, a charming seaside town in North Wales, Mostyn Gallery benefits from its peripheral position in the art market—a true blessing. Founded with the generosity of Lady Augusta Mostyn, the gallery reopened in 2010 after a £5 million refurbishment, offering a contemporary art space steeped in history and community spirit.
A History Rooted in the Early 21st Century
Behind its listed Edwardian façade—harmoniously echoing the architectural style of its neighbors and the town—lies the modern gallery space known today as Mostyn. Established in 1901 and publicly funded from the start, the gallery originally operated until 1913. During that time, it hosted exhibitions by the Gwynedd Ladies Art Society (GLAS), offering a rare opportunity for women artists who had been previously denied exhibition space elsewhere due to their gender.
A founding patron, Lady Augusta Mostyn, made a significant donation to ensure the gallery would continue promoting local and female artists. In 2010, after an extensive refurbishment financed in part by the Arts Council of Wales, the gallery reopened, rebranding itself simply as Mostyn.
The Renovation Process of Mostyn Gallery
Led by Ellis Williams Architects, the renovation project won several prestigious awards in 2011, including the RIBA Award from the Royal Institute of British Architects and the Gold Medal for Architecture from the National Eisteddfod of Wales. The project expanded and refurbished six gallery spaces, adding a café, shop, storage, and educational facilities, covering a total of 2,000 square meters. The interior design, contrasting with the historical exterior, features burnished concrete and open, sunlight-filled spaces. A striking element of the new design is the “Tube,” a concrete gorge connecting the two floors.
Engaging Contemporary Art at Mostyn
Since its reopening, Mostyn has hosted numerous solo and group exhibitions featuring both Welsh and international contemporary artists, such as David Nash, Sean Edwards, Irma Blank, Franco Vaccari, and Elisabetta Benassi. Director and curator Alfredo Cramerotti explained, “We first centered the program on the idea of conversation—between artists, between artists and audiences, and between different media and formats. We then focused on the outcomes of these conversations: what inspires and encourages people to form and share perspectives on the world through our programs.”
He continued, “We want people to engage with us to form opinions through the lens of contemporary art via exhibitions, lectures, digital, and public programs.” Cramerotti believes that Mostyn’s location is advantageous: “Being at the periphery of the art market is a blessing. It allows for the detachment and time to assess things without being caught in the heat of the discussion, which often skews perspectives. Mostyn faces much less competition for attention than art spaces in London, so there’s media coverage for what we present.”
Mostyn’s dedication to exhibiting contemporary art
Mostyn’s dedication to exhibiting contemporary art in a satellite location has paid off. The gallery now attracts over one hundred thousand annual visitors, two-thirds of whom come from outside the local area. According to the Local Government Association (February 2019), Mostyn generates over £600,000 of annual economic value for the local area. In addition to its exhibitions and educational programs, Mostyn organizes the multi-arts festival Llawn—Llandudno Arts Weekend—designed to engage a wider demographic.
By reaching out to more people, Mostyn continues to grow and adapt. Accessibility and respect for local sensitivity are priorities, reflected in the gallery’s bilingual use of Welsh and English in exhibitions, materials, and online content.
Mostyn’s presence has spurred the growth of contemporary art in North Wales, demonstrating that art can thrive without a major city backdrop. Inspired by Mostyn’s success, new collaborative projects such as Periclo, Studio Cybi, and North Wales Contemporary (Cyfoes Gogledd Cymru) have emerged. These initiatives underscore the region’s desire for an independent art scene, free from the constraints of larger cities like Cardiff or London.
Mostyn Gallery
12 Vaughan Street
Llandudno
Wales, UK
