Hywel Harries (1921-1990) was a Welsh fine artist specialising in oil paintings of landscapes and also book & magazine illustrations and cartoons.

Since living in Wales and getting to know our local area, some of his scenes have become very familiar. For example, Machynlleth with its prominent clock tower (shown above), Aberystwyth seafront and Aberaeron harbour.

He tried his had at many artistic styles; I particularly like his 1970s interpretations of Sydney Curnow Vosper’s famous Salem painting (top of the montage above).

Alongside his own practice, he had a long career in art education. He became art master at Machynlleth secondary school in 1950 moving on to becoming head of the art department in Arwyn Grammar School, Aberystwyth in 1954. Following local reorganisation of secondary education, he held the post at Penglais School. He retired from education in 1981.

In 1963, he founded the Ceredigion Art Society. He also served time on the boards of the Royal Cambrian Academy, the Art and Craft Committee of the Council of the National Eisteddfod as well as the North Wales Federation of Art Groups.

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