GALLERY 2
GELLI LAS – 12TH TO 21ST CENTURY
14 MARCH – 30 MAY
An exhibition looking back into the history of Llantarnam Grange. Gelli Las – 12th to 21st century includes information and memories on the changing uses of the building, material from our archives, donated photographs, documents, and artwork.
Starting in the 12th century as a farm connected to Llantarnam Abbey, the building was originally known as Gelli Las, passing through many hands until it was renamed to Llantarnam Grange around 1891.
It continued to be a private house, before being taken over by Cwmbran Development Corporation in the 1950’s following the development of Cwmbran as a New Town.
It was then threatened with demolition until a last minute reprieve, when the idea to use the building as a space for “general community use” emerged. On 30th April 1966, Llantarnam Grange Societies Club & Amateur Arts Centre was officially opened.
It has evolved over the last 60 years under the direction of Sara Bowie (1986 – 1995); Hywel Pontin (1995 – 2018); and current director Louise Jones-Williams.
This exhibition captures some of the stories and changes that have shaped our building over centuries, delving into the history, and creating space to add your own recollections and memories.
There will be an opening in the gallery on Saturday 14 March 12-2pm and the exhibition will run until the 30 May 2025.
There will also be history talks and creative activities that take inspiration from this exhibition and our building. Find out more about upcoming events here.
This is part of Llantarnam Grange 60, a year-long celebration of 60 years of creativity in Cwmbran. Funded by the Colwinston Charitable Trust.
