Solva art gallery reopens after lockdown
Raul Speek Gallery in the Old Chapel, Main Street, Solva, has reopened after the ‘firebreak’ lockdown in Wales.
And while we missed seeing our visitors during the closure, I’ve kept myself busy with painting.
In fact, I’ve been producing a lot of new artwork throughout this year, including the piece shown below.
I’ve also been writing new music, which I’ll be playing live over the coming months at the gallery. So, when you visit, you might find me either painting a vivid canvas or playing the piano or keyboard.
Raul Speek Gallery and Covid-19
The coronavirus pandemic has been a challenge for us, as it has been for so many others. One of the measures we introduced to help keep our visitors safe was to create a one-way system in the café.
The café is now closed for the winter and will reopen in March 2021 during gallery hours. When it reopens, we’re planning to put extra seating outside.
We have a new member of staff joining us in March, who will be helping my wife Heather look after our visitors by serving our delicious homemade cakes and ever-popular tapas boards. Local beers will be available alongside ciders and a choice of wines. And you’ll be glad to hear Morillo’s will still be providing the delicious coffee we know you love.
Ian McDonald prints now on display
When you pop in, you’ll be able to view a selection of stunning black and white prints of the Pembrokeshire area, by Solva printmaker Ian McDonald.
As well as those on show in our art gallery, you can choose from a wide range of Ian’s prints that are available to order. So, you’re sure to find a piece featuring your favourite place in South West Wales.
Heather Bennett – photographer
Heather is resident here, too, and has her own space where she shows her photographs, cards, books and poetry. She’s busy preparing for an exhibition at Oriel y Parc Gallery and Visitor Centre, St Davids, in May 2021. The show will feature her ‘Shadow Self’ stream of images.
Workshop expansion
We’re in the middle of expanding the workshop next to our gallery, which houses our screen-printing table. The extra space will allow bigger classes to work on the table while I teach them about screen printing. I honed my skills in this medium in Cuba and enjoy sharing my knowledge with others.
Family-friendly gallery
Children are welcome at our art gallery and we hold workshops that are specially tailored for them. The classes involve fun activities such as making hats or drawing and painting puffins.
Other news
I’m working on two new books. One of these is my full biography, and the other is a book of my drawings, which I’m using to explore the history of Welsh culture.
This month has also seen the launch of our new website, which gives you the opportunity to find out more about me, my work, our gallery and events. It also allows you to order a piece of my art from the comfort of your sofa – wherever you are in the UK.
Plus, we’re hoping to put in place a printing service for one-off prints in A4, A3 or A2 size, on archive (acid-free) paper. When this service is launched, you’ll be able to order and collect the prints within one to two days.
To find out more about our gallery, café and events, contact us on 01437 721907 or email
Or you can pop in to see us at Raul Speek Gallery in Solva, where you can browse our artwork or just say ‘hello’.
By Raul Speek
