In the second programme of the series, we learn that the Aberystwyth seaside with Constitutional Hill and Cardigan Bay in the background is one of Wales’ most famous views. In the 1950s, artist Henry Riley used the striking bay as the focus of a commercial poster for British Rail to try to persuade people to go by rail to holiday in the bustling Ceredigion seaside resort.

Presenter Osi Rhys Osmond, looks at the background to this enticing poster and follows two Welsh artists as they work on their own paintings of the scene, on location and in their studios.

Osi says, “Riley’s picture captures the new-found confidence that come to the fore after the Second World War. Everyone looks so happy and Aberystwyth is seen as a confident, prosperous resort. There is a tendency to belittle commercial art and compare it unfavourably with fine art, but this picture is highly inventive in its use of colour.”

Neither Meirion Jones nor Catrin Williams remembers the 50s, but Ceredigion Bay is important to both of them. The two final pictures say new things about this familiar Aberystwyth scene inspired both by traits of the modern mid-Walian resort and the myths and legends associated with the sea in Ceredigion.

Osi Osmond thinks it’s a shame that railway companies no longer commission commercial posters or pictures by artists to promote their services. How about it? Here are two works of art that would add much-needed colour to many a grey railway station.

Artist profiles...
Meirion Jones
Catrin Williams