A recent tour of Wales, organised by Janet Redler Travel & Tourism for a group from the Art Institute of Chicago, took in many of the country’s finest artistic and cultural experiences. Highlights included a meeting with renowned sculptor David Nash at his famous Ash Dome, an open air performance by Welsh tenors at RSPB Ynys-hir and a visit to Plas Brondanw to see the new art collection.

The group visit David Nash's Ash Dome

The tour began in Cardiff where the group visited the National Dance Company Wales, for a talk from the Artistic Director and to watch a rehearsal, Hoddinott Hall, the Senedd, Cardiff Castle and the National Museum and Gallery of Wales for a behind-the-scenes tour conducted by Keeper of Art Andrew Renton.

Following a visit to the National Library of Wales in Aberystwyth, the group arrived at RSPB Ynys-hir for a unique open air performance by Richard Parry, Creative Director of Coleridge in Wales, and tenor Huw Davies. Richard Parry is currently on a tour of Wales with a band of artists, poets, musicians and others, following in the footsteps of poet Samuel Taylor Coleridge. Our group then visited the Museum of Modern Art in Machynlleth for a special viewing of the Romanticism in the Welsh Landscape exhibition.

Huw Davies and Richard Parry at RSPB Ynys-hir

One of the highlights of the Art Institute tour was, without doubt, a chance to see the Ash Dome by David Nash OBE RA, at its secret location in North Wales, and to meet the sculptor himself. Nash is known worldwide for his works in wood and shaping living trees and recently won the Charles Woollaston Award for most distinguished work in the Royal Academy’s Summer Exhibition, one of the most important art prizes in Britain.

The six day tour concluded with a visit to Plas Brondanw, led by Dylan Williams, curator of the Susan Williams-Ellis Foundation. Susan Williams-Ellis is the daughter of Clough Williams-Ellis, the creator of Portmeirion, and her Foundation is dedicated to supporting culture and the arts in the local area. Our group from the Art Institute was honoured to be the first to enjoy the incredible new art collection in the house at Plas Brondanw. Also there at Plas Brondanw was Tim Perrin who writes for The Guardian, who was a big hit.

Sian Cwper and her daughter Seran at Plas Brondanw

Aleksandra Matic, Associate Director Member Travel at the Art Institute of Chicago, said: “The group had a wonderful time! Thank you so much for everything you and Nick did to make this program exemplary!”

Janet Redler added: “We are delighted that the Art Institute had such a good time. We are grateful to all the artists, experts and performers who gave up their time so willingly to help provide our visitors with a true and detailed understanding of the culture of Wales.”

Some of Susan Williams-Ellis’s original designs

If you would like Janet Redler Travel & Tourism to put together a tailor made cultural tour for you or your group, please do contact us. We know what makes travel special!