An exhibition by Grahame Hurd-Wood
Sponsored by Eluned Morgan MS
Dates: 1 March - 12 April 2025
Location: Pierhead Futures Gallery
In 2013, Grahame Hurd-Wood embarked on an ambitious project to paint a portrait of every resident in St. Davids, Pembrokeshire.
“The City Of Portraits Project is an ongoing, deeply personal celebration of the people, lives, and stories of my community in St. Davids, Pembrokeshire.”
“With a resident population of around 1,800, this small city has become my home for many years, and through the series of portraits, I am creating a lasting tribute to its unique and tight-knit spirit.”
“The project began over a decade ago, inspired by the request of my fiancée who was battling cancer, to paint her portrait. Little did I know, this act would become a poignant part of her legacy, as I completed the painting after her passing.”
“As I continued painting portraits, the project evolved into a heartfelt homage to St. Davids and the community of individuals who call it home. Each portrait I paint is an attempt to catch the essence of the person in front of me. It’s not just about physical likeness but about discovering the unique spirit that makes each individual who they are.”
“The portraits are painted on small canvases and later assembled into large grid formations, each measuring 1m². When viewed as a collective, they become more than a sum of their parts, offering a striking visual representation of the diversity, warmth, and interconnectedness of this remarkable community.”
- Grahame Hurd-Wood