THE HERALD attended the launch of a new book at Oldwalls in Gower on Wednesday (May 11).
Land scape Wales, published by Graffeg is a sumptuous offering of over eighty photographs which celebrate the beauty of the Welsh outdoors, and the rich history of the land in its different moods, seasons, topography and its sheer breath-taking beauty.
Within the pages, spaced between these magnificent photographs, are twelve essays by Professor Terry Stevens, each focusing on a place in Wales which is not only special to him but rich in history and significance. His choices include soaring mountaintops, ancient monuments, modern architecture that defies tradition, and timeworn land, carved by Wales’ famous rivers.
This bulky 300mm x 300mm coffee table book is a fantastic gift and a window for anyone who would like to see the very best of Wales in photographs as seen through the lenses of some of the country’s leading photographers including Harry Williams who has been taking photographs for Wales Tourism for over forty years.
A pictorial celebration of the glorious natural treasures and landscapes of Wales. Featuring spectacular mountains, dramatic coastlines, gentle lowlands and idyllic river valleys. Landscape Wales is a reminder that the rich, diverse and timeless geography of Wales is second to none.
Carmarthenshire County Council’s Executive Board Member for Regeneration and Leisure was among six guests invited to choose their favourite photograph from the book and speak about their reasons for choosing that particular image.
The Trimsaran County Councillor chose a photograph of Llansteffan Castle. Addressing the audience she gave a brief history of the castle and explained that it still has a majestic presence. She said: “I love this photograph because it depicts so much of Carmarthenshire. Our beautiful miles of sandy beaches that welcome the ebb and flow of the surrounding sea. It’s many rivers, home to the salmon that meanders down to the same sea.
“The rolling hills, country lanes and the patchwork of lush green fields. The agricultural land boxed in by the hedges that boast so much wildlife.”
She also said that the photograph had personal memories saying: “As a child I used to look across at the castle form Ferryside but it was my courting days that took me to Llansteffan.” speaking about the benefits the book would bring to Wales and Carmarthenshire she said, “Tourism is essential to Carmarthenshire. We have lost a lot of large industrial areas and we need to ensure that working within Welsh tourism is a great job.”
The book ‘Landscape Wales’ is available in hardback from Graffeg Books www.graffeg.com ISBN 9781909823464
Add Comment