0:00:00 > 0:00:00- 888
0:00:00 > 0:00:02- 888- - 888
0:00:07 > 0:00:09- 888
0:00:36 > 0:00:40- If I was asked - to imagine the perfect scene...
0:00:40 > 0:00:45- ..an image similar to the one - in this poster would come to mind.
0:00:45 > 0:00:48- Especially a poster - from the '30s and '50s.
0:00:49 > 0:00:53- It was a time when railway companies - used to invite famous artists...
0:00:53 > 0:00:56- ..to create - the perfect holiday destination.
0:00:57 > 0:00:59- Paradise for the price - of a day ticket.
0:00:59 > 0:01:02- The only thing missing - was the train itself.
0:01:03 > 0:01:08- Artists would leave the loud and - dirty trains out of the picture...
0:01:09 > 0:01:11- ..intentionally - in case they spoilt the view.
0:01:12 > 0:01:16- In Aberystwyth, British Rail - commissioned Harry Riley...
0:01:16 > 0:01:20- ..to create the image - of a perfect holiday...
0:01:20 > 0:01:23- ..where everyone smiled, - everyone was fashionable...
0:01:24 > 0:01:25- ..and the beach was golden.
0:01:27 > 0:01:30- In the past, - poster art had been devalued.
0:01:33 > 0:01:36- This poster isn't fine art - - it's commercial art.
0:01:36 > 0:01:39- But it's well worth seeing - - it's very inventive...
0:01:40 > 0:01:44- ..in the way it uses colour - and composition.
0:01:45 > 0:01:50- Using the graphic technology - of the time, a variety of colours...
0:01:51 > 0:01:54- ..could be created - from four colour plates.
0:01:55 > 0:01:59- The people in the poster - look healthy and happy.
0:01:59 > 0:02:02- They represent something - about Britain after WWII...
0:02:02 > 0:02:06- ..after the formation - of the NHS and the welfare state.
0:02:06 > 0:02:09- People were very optimistic.
0:02:09 > 0:02:12- You had to go to galleries - to see paintings...
0:02:12 > 0:02:16- ..but posters like this - could be seen around the country.
0:02:22 > 0:02:24- On the prom in Aberystwyth...
0:02:24 > 0:02:27- ..artist Meirion Jones - is drawing some sketches.
0:02:31 > 0:02:36- Most of his work deals with figures. - His work is inspired by the sea.
0:02:40 > 0:02:43- Meirion has chosen a position - to draw his picture...
0:02:43 > 0:02:46- ..which is similar - to the one Riley took.
0:02:49 > 0:02:51- What are you doing now?
0:02:51 > 0:02:57- I'm drawing some sketches, trying - to get the feel for Aberystwyth...
0:02:57 > 0:02:59- ..and the arch in the bay.
0:03:00 > 0:03:05- I'm looking at the shadows and - getting a general feel of the place.
0:03:05 > 0:03:07- Soaking up the atmosphere?
0:03:08 > 0:03:12- The atmosphere and the patterns - on Constitution Hill.
0:03:13 > 0:03:16- Someone once told me - not to use colour for sketching.
0:03:17 > 0:03:20- You rarely have the right colour - on your palette.
0:03:20 > 0:03:24- I'm adding the names - of the colours to the sketches.
0:03:24 > 0:03:30- I'm describing the colour of the sea - and the quality of the shadows.
0:03:30 > 0:03:32- It's a very lively scene.
0:03:32 > 0:03:34- Aberystwyth is a very lively place.
0:03:35 > 0:03:40- There are a lot of static elements - but there's plenty of action.
0:03:40 > 0:03:44- People enjoying themselves - and a lot of laughter and zest.
0:03:47 > 0:03:53- Further up the prom, Catrin Williams - is surrounded by holidaymakers.
0:03:54 > 0:03:57- Catrin was raised - on a farm near Bala.
0:03:57 > 0:04:01- This background - is evident in her work.
0:04:02 > 0:04:07- Since moving to Pwllheli, the sea - has become her favourite subject.
0:04:07 > 0:04:10- The pink paper appears very bright.
0:04:10 > 0:04:14- It's a means of keeping - the composition together.
0:04:14 > 0:04:17- It sets the theme of the work.
0:04:17 > 0:04:20- Catrin works with pastels - in a very lively fashion.
0:04:21 > 0:04:25- How does she respond - to the subject in front of her?
0:04:25 > 0:04:28- I work very emotionally.
0:04:28 > 0:04:31- Initially, I play with the idea.
0:04:31 > 0:04:33- I want to enjoy it first.
0:04:34 > 0:04:36- I change it all the time.
0:04:36 > 0:04:40- The scenery over there changes - constantly - the light changes...
0:04:41 > 0:04:43- ..all the time - I like that.
0:04:43 > 0:04:46- I like developing new shapes.
0:04:47 > 0:04:50- Some water accidentally splashed - onto the paper.
0:04:51 > 0:04:54- What's nice now - is when it starts to dry...
0:04:54 > 0:04:59- ..it will become more of - a textile piece when I return home.
0:04:59 > 0:05:06- I want to capture the emotion of the - place more than the poster itself.
0:05:06 > 0:05:08- The poster is so English.
0:05:08 > 0:05:13- For me, as a Welsh person, I'm - aware of Aberystwyth's culture...
0:05:13 > 0:05:17- ..and the poetry and mythology - that surround this place.
0:05:17 > 0:05:20- For me, it's more emotional. - It comes from inside.
0:05:20 > 0:05:26- I like using different mediums. - For me, it makes like far easier.
0:05:26 > 0:05:31- If you'd have only given me a - pencil, that would have been cruel!
0:05:31 > 0:05:35- I could have coped, but I want - a lot of instant information...
0:05:35 > 0:05:37- ..such as shapes and colours.
0:05:40 > 0:05:42- It's a challenge to work - in this environment...
0:05:43 > 0:05:48- ..but the people are part of the - subject - they feed the imagination.
0:05:48 > 0:05:51- Meirion has invited Rhian - to be his model.
0:05:51 > 0:05:56- He can control the - physical shape of his subject...
0:05:56 > 0:06:01- ..and collect valuable information - about muscle tone and clothes.
0:06:02 > 0:06:07- Meirion, you have a figure in your - landscape. This isn't usual now.
0:06:07 > 0:06:09- Both aspects interest me.
0:06:09 > 0:06:12- The landscape around here - is very exciting.
0:06:12 > 0:06:17- The light changes all the time - and the colours become very bright.
0:06:17 > 0:06:22- What completes the picture for me - are the people in the painting...
0:06:22 > 0:06:24- ..and the narrative of the painting.
0:06:25 > 0:06:30- A person in a space is interesting, - as is a group of people...
0:06:30 > 0:06:33- ..and the space between the people.
0:06:33 > 0:06:36- I'm looking for the story - in the picture.
0:06:37 > 0:06:40- It's like the first paragraph - of a short story.
0:06:40 > 0:06:44- You set the scene - and introduce the characters.
0:06:44 > 0:06:49- The people who see the painting will - create a story and a conclusion.
0:06:49 > 0:06:54- There was no mystery - behind Riley's message.
0:06:54 > 0:06:59- It's a shameless advertisement - for sunny holidays in Aberystwyth.
0:06:59 > 0:07:04- The aim of our artists - is to create something more intense.
0:07:04 > 0:07:10- Your work has moved on - and developed in an interesting way.
0:07:10 > 0:07:12- What's the next step for you?
0:07:14 > 0:07:17- I've enjoyed the development. - I work in layers...
0:07:18 > 0:07:22- ..and different colours - - and I change things.
0:07:22 > 0:07:26- I'm not precious about the picture.
0:07:26 > 0:07:31- I've started to add more detail - to the buildings.
0:07:31 > 0:07:35- A girl moves from the mountains - down into the town.
0:07:35 > 0:07:37- I'm concentrating more - on the buildings.
0:07:38 > 0:07:42- You've done a lot - with Constitution Hill.
0:07:43 > 0:07:45- I've enjoyed working on the hill.
0:07:45 > 0:07:48- There aren't any people - in the picture.
0:07:48 > 0:07:50- No, there aren't any.
0:07:50 > 0:07:55- That's happened unbeknown to me.
0:07:57 > 0:08:01- Catrin is more interested - in the movement of the light...
0:08:01 > 0:08:03- ..not the movement of the people.
0:08:08 > 0:08:10- While the artists work...
0:08:11 > 0:08:14- ..I visit Ceredigion Museum, - which was once a cinema.
0:08:14 > 0:08:18- Here, I saw how the old posters - had found new life...
0:08:18 > 0:08:20- ..among the souvenirs.
0:08:25 > 0:08:29- The railway posters sit comfortably - in this old cinema.
0:08:30 > 0:08:33- The characters and fashions - are straight out of Hollywood.
0:08:34 > 0:08:38- I asked for the views of locals - who came here on their holidays...
0:08:38 > 0:08:41- ..in the days - of the colourful posters.
0:08:42 > 0:08:47- Coming to the beach. - Coming to Aberystwyth on the train.
0:08:47 > 0:08:51- This is a good picture - of Aberystwyth.
0:08:51 > 0:08:54- The sand is a little too golden.
0:08:54 > 0:08:58- Do you think the people - look as if they're from Hollywood?
0:08:58 > 0:09:01- No. I remember people - dressed like this.
0:09:01 > 0:09:04- Is it an exaggeration - of Aberystwyth?
0:09:04 > 0:09:06- This is how we remember it.
0:09:06 > 0:09:09- The sea is blue, the sand is golden.
0:09:09 > 0:09:12- Everyone's happy. - Every day was like that.
0:09:18 > 0:09:21- What is the response of our artists - to the poster?
0:09:22 > 0:09:24- The people look very glamorous.
0:09:25 > 0:09:27- Especially wearing - those white specs.
0:09:28 > 0:09:32- When you think about where most - of these holidaymakers lived...
0:09:32 > 0:09:36- ..in the large, - industrial English towns...
0:09:36 > 0:09:39- ..Aberystwyth felt - a million miles away...
0:09:40 > 0:09:42- ..from those grey and smoky towns.
0:09:43 > 0:09:46- I like this man here - with something in his pocket.
0:09:46 > 0:09:49- I'm sure I saw him - on the prom over there earlier!
0:09:51 > 0:09:53- I'm very fond of the picture.
0:09:53 > 0:09:57- It's an excellent advertisement - for Aberystwyth.
0:09:58 > 0:10:00- What do you think of the fashion?
0:10:01 > 0:10:03- I've tried my best today!
0:10:05 > 0:10:07- The white sunglasses.
0:10:07 > 0:10:12- As seen on many Welsh people walking - up and down this street today!
0:10:13 > 0:10:15- Talking Welsh.
0:10:15 > 0:10:20- This poster reminds me - of the work of Toulouse-Lautrec.
0:10:20 > 0:10:24- He was the master of poster art.
0:10:24 > 0:10:29- He drew pictures of the people - who visited the Folies Bergeres...
0:10:29 > 0:10:32- ..and the Moulin Rouge in Paris.
0:10:32 > 0:10:37- A community of people can develop - during a week's holiday.
0:10:38 > 0:10:42- There are people staying - next door to you in the hotel...
0:10:42 > 0:10:45- ..and you become - lifelong friends with them.
0:10:45 > 0:10:48- Relationships, and even marriages, - develop from there.
0:10:49 > 0:10:51- There's a lot of humour in it.
0:10:51 > 0:10:55- I haven't seen much - of this golden sand today.
0:10:58 > 0:11:02- Yes, the beach in the poster - is a different colour.
0:11:03 > 0:11:07- On top of that, the artist ignored - the most obvious structure...
0:11:08 > 0:11:10- ..on Aberystwyth promenade.
0:11:18 > 0:11:18- 888
0:11:18 > 0:11:20- 888- - 888
0:11:25 > 0:11:28- Riley's poster - is filled with activity.
0:11:28 > 0:11:30- Catrin is also very busy.
0:11:44 > 0:11:48- You're adding black ink marks - to the picture.
0:11:49 > 0:11:51- What is it meant to convey?
0:11:51 > 0:11:53- It gives the picture more structure.
0:11:54 > 0:12:00- I like the shapes - the flowing sea - and the movement in the picture.
0:12:00 > 0:12:06- The picture is developing so that I - can develop it into its final form.
0:12:06 > 0:12:11- The ink is wet - it flows - differently to pastels.
0:12:12 > 0:12:13- The marks are very interesting.
0:12:13 > 0:12:17- The marks are very interesting.- - The picture now - has a life of its own.
0:12:17 > 0:12:21- It's like a musical composition - - it reminds me of Debussy's work.
0:12:22 > 0:12:24- The seaside?
0:12:24 > 0:12:27- There's a suggestion - of a storm here.
0:12:27 > 0:12:29- You start by making sketches.
0:12:29 > 0:12:34- Things start out well - and then it all becomes a mess.
0:12:35 > 0:12:39- As you carry on working, - it takes on a life of its own.
0:12:39 > 0:12:41- It takes over, doesn't it?
0:12:41 > 0:12:46- Recently, I've used very little ink - when I've drawn sketches.
0:12:46 > 0:12:49- I'm working far more freely today.
0:12:50 > 0:12:54- When the children were small, - I rarely worked in the open air.
0:12:55 > 0:12:57- I was tied to my home.
0:12:57 > 0:13:00- Your domestic situation - influences the way you work.
0:13:00 > 0:13:03- Not only with the ideas - in my personal work...
0:13:03 > 0:13:05- ..but also in the fabric - of my daily life.
0:13:08 > 0:13:11- In my view, family life - creates a special rhythm...
0:13:12 > 0:13:14- ..for women and their art.
0:13:14 > 0:13:17- As the artists worked, - I walked up the hill.
0:13:18 > 0:13:23- Meirion wanted to show me - the source of his inspiration.
0:13:26 > 0:13:29- Cardigan Bay surrounds us here.
0:13:29 > 0:13:35- It's very charming - and visually exciting.
0:13:35 > 0:13:39- That was Riley's main aim...
0:13:39 > 0:13:43- ..but I doubt if Riley would - have known what was out there...
0:13:43 > 0:13:48- ..Cantre'r Gwaelod, - the city under the water.
0:13:48 > 0:13:53- We're surrounded by a lot - of Welsh mythology.
0:13:53 > 0:13:58- Personally, I'd like - to include women in my painting.
0:13:58 > 0:14:03- There is a strong link between - women and water in Welsh mythology.
0:14:05 > 0:14:08- For me, the sea is a female feature.
0:14:09 > 0:14:11- It's impulsive and attractive.
0:14:11 > 0:14:16- I don't think it's a coincidence - that when people have holidays...
0:14:17 > 0:14:20- ..they are instinctively - drawn to the sea.
0:14:20 > 0:14:22- That is the source of life, - originally.
0:14:22 > 0:14:25- We are returning - to a spiritual home.
0:14:26 > 0:14:29- Catrin's studio is in her home - in Pwllheli.
0:14:30 > 0:14:33- She works with textiles, - textile paint and printing blocks.
0:14:34 > 0:14:38- I'm looking forward to seeing - how everything will fall into place.
0:15:10 > 0:15:14- Meirion shares his studio - in Cardigan with his father...
0:15:14 > 0:15:17- ..artist Aneurin Jones.
0:15:17 > 0:15:20- He uses a colourful palette - of acrylic paint.
0:15:20 > 0:15:23- He's thrown himself into his work.
0:15:41 > 0:15:45- Well, Meirion, I saw you making - sketches on the prom in Aberystwyth.
0:15:46 > 0:15:49- How useful were your sketches?
0:15:51 > 0:15:55- As far as I'm concerned, these - are personal, shorthand sketches.
0:15:55 > 0:16:00- By looking at my notes, I remember - what happened at the time.
0:16:00 > 0:16:05- The next step is to record - the fundamental, original features.
0:16:05 > 0:16:08- It's all starting to take shape now.
0:16:08 > 0:16:12- This is the colour I could see - in the background and in the sea.
0:16:13 > 0:16:16- The red stands out. - I'm putting the jigsaw together.
0:16:17 > 0:16:21- What part does the palette play - in the creative process?
0:16:21 > 0:16:25- I'm using some very special colours.
0:16:25 > 0:16:29- Turquoise is one - of my favourite colours.
0:16:29 > 0:16:31- I also like purple.
0:16:32 > 0:16:36- I've been trying to combine - purple and turquoise in the sea.
0:16:36 > 0:16:38- That creates a supernatural effect.
0:16:39 > 0:16:43- The poster says one thing - visit - Aberystwyth for a perfect holiday.
0:16:43 > 0:16:49- In your painting, you've identified - something beneath the surface.
0:16:49 > 0:16:51- I hope so.
0:16:51 > 0:16:55- I didn't want to create something - that was superficial.
0:16:56 > 0:16:59- There are deeper references - and suggestions in the painting.
0:17:00 > 0:17:03- I'm not trying to portray - three girls sitting down.
0:17:03 > 0:17:08- I'm portraying - the female presence...
0:17:08 > 0:17:11- ..which ties in with the idea...
0:17:11 > 0:17:15- ..of the sea being - a maternal, impulsive feature.
0:17:15 > 0:17:21- When you're painting a picture, you - need to speak to the picture, too.
0:17:21 > 0:17:25- Exactly. This is when - the creative process happens.
0:17:25 > 0:17:28- This is when - the creative momentum happens.
0:17:28 > 0:17:35- I don't know what will happen - - you follow your creative spirit.
0:17:37 > 0:17:40- Catrin is building new layers...
0:17:41 > 0:17:45- ..as she cuts shapes - out of her colourful materials.
0:17:58 > 0:18:03- Catrin, you're using materials now - and printing the letters here.
0:18:03 > 0:18:07- I can see your personality - coming through.
0:18:09 > 0:18:11- The printing was exciting...
0:18:12 > 0:18:14- ..because I was able - to fit 'Aberystwyth' in.
0:18:15 > 0:18:18- Working on material - is different to working on paper.
0:18:18 > 0:18:21- The paints - represent lighter colours.
0:18:22 > 0:18:24- I'm adding more and more detail.
0:18:25 > 0:18:29- I still treat these materials - just like paint.
0:18:29 > 0:18:34- If you recall the poster, the people - were wearing different materials.
0:18:34 > 0:18:37- I'm adding more and more materials - all the time.
0:18:37 > 0:18:41- This belongs to you now. - On paper, it's a work in progress.
0:18:41 > 0:18:46- It now looks like - something completely different.
0:18:46 > 0:18:51- The next process is the needlework. - The printing is very interesting.
0:18:51 > 0:18:55- The letters have been taken - from the old warehouse...
0:18:55 > 0:18:57- ..of the Herald in Caernarfon.
0:18:57 > 0:19:00- There are elements - of different coastlines.
0:19:00 > 0:19:03- Parts of Caernarfon - have been incorporated.
0:19:03 > 0:19:06- I'm going to start - the needlework now.
0:19:22 > 0:19:25- Meirion has finished his painting.
0:19:30 > 0:19:33- Well, Meirion, - you've finished the painting now.
0:19:34 > 0:19:38- It's filled with bright colours. - There are plenty of deep shadows.
0:19:38 > 0:19:41- This red colour stands out.
0:19:41 > 0:19:45- I think I've achieved my aims - with this painting.
0:19:45 > 0:19:48- It developed from Riley's picture...
0:19:48 > 0:19:53- ..of the colourful, attractive - tourist side of Aberystwyth.
0:19:53 > 0:19:59- I hope I've added something - of myself in the composition.
0:19:59 > 0:20:04- The influence of the sea on the left - and the female presence.
0:20:04 > 0:20:08- You understand the mythology - that surrounds Cardigan Bay.
0:20:08 > 0:20:11- You approached this - with a different understanding.
0:20:12 > 0:20:15- Riley was interested - in the superficial features.
0:20:15 > 0:20:18- What influences you most - in your work?
0:20:19 > 0:20:21- The art of craftsmen - is very important.
0:20:22 > 0:20:26- This is more of a craft than a work - of art - the craft of painting.
0:20:26 > 0:20:29- It goes back to the craftsmen - of rural Wales.
0:20:29 > 0:20:33- People who used to make - the 'gambo' and love spoons...
0:20:33 > 0:20:38- ..and wrote folk songs and the Celts - who crafted the Celtic crosses.
0:20:38 > 0:20:43- I'm influenced heavily by - the idea of the old Welsh craftsmen.
0:20:43 > 0:20:47- You're very aware of the history - and heritage of Ceredigion.
0:20:47 > 0:20:51- Yes. I have a lot of respect - for these traditions.
0:20:51 > 0:20:55- Paint is a magical material. - It creates images.
0:20:55 > 0:20:59- On a palette, it's a collection - of chemicals on a piece of wood.
0:21:00 > 0:21:03- When you paint, - it becomes transcendental.
0:21:03 > 0:21:05- It's a magical material.
0:21:05 > 0:21:10- Do you rely on your memory? Can you - remember the experience of seeing?
0:21:11 > 0:21:14- I have a good memory - - I'm very fortunate.
0:21:14 > 0:21:17- It's a combination of everything, - at the end of the day...
0:21:17 > 0:21:20- ..the sketches, the memory - and the imagination.
0:21:21 > 0:21:24- It's a cocktail - that produces something different.
0:21:24 > 0:21:27- This is a very different cocktail.
0:21:33 > 0:21:37- It was a difficult commission - to accept, to be honest.
0:21:38 > 0:21:40- It was hard to see - the bigger picture.
0:21:41 > 0:21:45- At different times, - I liked different parts of it.
0:21:46 > 0:21:49- It was hard to tie everything - in together...
0:21:49 > 0:21:51- ..to produce the end product.
0:21:51 > 0:21:57- I'd like to see something like that - as a poster for Aberystwyth now.
0:21:57 > 0:22:00- Yes, that would be interesting.
0:22:00 > 0:22:04- The materials I used - - some of them are my own clothes.
0:22:04 > 0:22:08- You've added some of your history - and your family's history.
0:22:08 > 0:22:12- There was no point - using materials from Aberystwyth.
0:22:12 > 0:22:14- That doesn't excite me.
0:22:14 > 0:22:18- I wanted to use - materials and shapes I like.
0:22:18 > 0:22:22- I've used them - just like paint and pastels.
0:22:22 > 0:22:26- You've utilised a tradition - from rural Wales.
0:22:26 > 0:22:29- And music. - I've been trained as a musician.
0:22:30 > 0:22:34- At the bottom, it says - 'pen y daith' (journey's end).
0:22:34 > 0:22:39- To people staying in Aberystwyth, - they've reached their journey's end.
0:22:39 > 0:22:42- I've reached my journey's end...
0:22:42 > 0:22:45- ..but it could be the start - of a new journey...
0:22:45 > 0:22:48- ..to create more landscape art - like this.
0:22:49 > 0:22:52- This is a very fresh view - of Aberystwyth.
0:22:52 > 0:22:54- I love it!
0:23:00 > 0:23:04- Meirion has created three mysterious - and intriguing females...
0:23:04 > 0:23:07- ..in a sea of light.
0:23:10 > 0:23:13- What a pity - that today's railway companies...
0:23:13 > 0:23:17- ..don't commission artists - to create images for their posters.
0:23:29 > 0:23:32- S4C subtitles by Rh Sion Morgan