Biography
Construction of the museum began in 1912 by architects Arnold Dunbar Smith and Cecil Brewer. With the interruption of the First World War the museum was not completed until 1927. Amgueddfa Cymru - National Museum Wales, Cardiff has a very strong collection of 20th-century art, including works by Jacob Epstein, Eric Gill, Stanley Spencer, LS Lowry and Oskar Kokoschka, as well as the largest holding of work by Gwen John and Augustus John. The contemporary collection includes notable pieces by Frank Auerbach, Lucian Freud and Rachel Whiteread, and is currently increasing in strength with an ongoing range of purchases including major moving image installations.
The museum has collected contemporary crafts since 1924 and has developed a collection of 20th-century studio pottery by Bernard Leach, Lucie Rie and Hans Coper. The collection also reflects the craft scene in Wales with work by Walter Keeler, Morgen Hall, Pamela Rawnsley and Lisa Krigel. There are notable contemporary works by Hiroshi Suzuki, Junko Mori and Simone ten Hompel. The gallery hosts a number of temporary exhibitions throughout the year, including Artes Mundi, which has had a significant impact, bringing major international artists and their work to the city.
