Welsh Not

As a Mancunian who moved to North Wales 18 months ago, I’ve been immersing myself in all things Welsh since I relocated to this beautiful country.

I’ve been taking Welsh classes and absorbing Welsh art at a rate of knots. My latest Welsh education took place at Storiel in Bangor where I visited an exhibition featuring works by Paul and Peter Davies.

Paul Davies formed Beca in the 1970s, a group of artists which politicised art in the country starting with a protest against the wiping out of Welsh cultural heritage.

The exhibition features Paul Davies’ famous ‘Welsh Not’ artwork and Welsh love spoon – originally a railway sleeper – which Paul held above his head at the 1977 Eisteddford. Welsh children who spoke in Welsh instead of English were forced to wear a sign with ‘Welsh Not’ around their necks as punishment.

Sadly, Paul Davies died of heart failure at 46 but his brother, Peter, continues the Beca movement alongside a core group. It’s still as relevant today as it was more than 40 years ago with devolution and embedding of Cymraeg.

I encourage anyone with an interest in Welsh culture and love of art to attend this exhibition. It features art by Paul Davies that has never been seen before, and all artworks are available for sale.

Sara McKee

Paul Davies ‘Welsh Not’ exhibition is on at the Storiel in Bangor until 28 March. Visit https://www.storiel.cymru for details.