An exhibition by Monumental Welsh Women and artist Meinir Mathias, in partnership with the Senedd
Sponsored by the Llywydd, Rt. Hon. Elin Jones MS
Dates: 22 February - 7 May 2025
Location: Senedd Oriel
Monumental Welsh Women is a not-for-profit organisation dedicated to recognising the contribution of women to the history and life of Wales. In 2016, the group started campaigning to get five statues of notable Welsh women erected in different locations around Wales.
To mark International Women’s Day 2025, Monumental Welsh Women is proud to present this exhibition which celebrates the unveiling of the first four statues: Betty Campbell in Cardiff, Elaine Morgan in Mountain Ash, Cranogwen in Llangrannog, and Lady Rhondda in Newport. The final statue, commemorating Elizabeth Andrews, will be erected in the Rhondda this year.
For this exhibition, Ceredigion-based artist Meinir Mathias has painted original portraits of the five women honoured by the Monumental Welsh Women project.
Meinir said:
"I believe that the work by the Monumental Welsh Women team in addressing the need for monuments of women in Wales is an incredibly important step forward for our society as a whole. Recognising and honouring female historical figures in art is essential as it helps to correct the gender imbalance in our historical narratives."
The Llywydd said:
“The theme for this year’s International Women’s Day is “Accelerate Action” towards gender equality, so it is apt that we’re celebrating five Monumental Welsh Women who were pioneers in their field."
"I am particularly pleased that the Senedd is hosting this exhibition by the talented female artist Meinir Mathias whose exciting work will give us a new perspective on five important historical figures."
“I hope that the exhibition will attract and inspire new audiences, and that the campaign to celebrate Wales’s many remarkable women will continue to gather momentum.”
Explore the exhibition to see Meinir’s portraits, maquettes and images of the statues, and find out more about the histories of these pioneering women.
Monumental Welsh Women has delivered this exhibition in partnership with Acuity Law.
