‘It’s like you’re in one of his paintings’ Kyffin Williams’ art brought to life

The National Library of Wales has opened an immersive experience bringing the paintings of Sir Kyffin Williams to life through projections, animation and interactive displays. The attraction aims to introduce new audiences to the artist, widely regarded as the defining Welsh artist of the 20th century, and lets visitors explore the landscapes and scenes in his work.

The bilingual experience spans three former office rooms in Aberystwyth, with Sir Bryn Terfel narrating Williams’s life and animated paintings projected across the walls and floor. Visitors can also touch a recreation of a self-portrait to feel the raised texture of his thick impasto paint. The project received £500,000 in grants; the library holds the world’s largest collection of Williams’s work, including more than 2,000 pieces.