Bedwyr Williams

This artwork is part of Ways of Seeing, a partnership between Waltham Forest London Borough of Culture 2019 and the Government Art Collection. Ways of Seeing turns the borough into a gallery with 33 internationally renowned artists displayed in 28 unexpected locations.

Who is the man with a white beard and black robe pictured in this image, playing a musical instrument called a harp? Father Christmas on holiday? A wizard?

The man in the photograph is the artist, Bedwyr Williams. This photograph is called Bard Attitude. A long time ago, a ‘bard’ was someone who sang about real events, almost like a newsreader. Bards were important in the days before TV and Twitter. 

Bedwyr pretends to be the last Welsh bard. In the 13th century, the English king Edward I invaded Wales and ordered all the bards to be killed. Bedwyr turns this tragic story into a funny one by dressing up in a beard and sandals. 

Bedwyr Williams was born in North Wales. He studied art in London and Holland before returning to Wales, where he lives today. A lot of his art is about being Welsh and is often funny. His name is Welsh for ‘Bedivere’, the name of a knight in the famous legend of King Arthur. 

The artwork on display in this venue is available to view on specific dates only. Please sign up to our newsletter or follow our social media channels to be the first to find out when you can view it.

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Open by appointment on 11 July between 1pm-3.30pm. Please call to book on 020 8519 3977 to book.

Parents access on Saturday 30 June at the School Fete, 11.30am-2.30pm