By: CREFFIELD, Dennis (1931-2018)

Acq. Number: 718

Dimensions: 38 x 55 cm, in frame 50 x 69 cm

Artwork_Medium: oil on paper

Purchased: 2002

Buyer: WAKELIN, Dr Peter

Location: STORIEL

Town: Bangor

Content: This expression of the massive Edwardian fortress at Caernarfon is one of a vast series of drawings in charcoal or oil stick done by Dennis Creffield during an intense series of expeditions to Welsh castles in 2001 and 2002, working en plein air at all times from dawn to dusk. He describes Caernarfon as 'of the sea'. 'It rises very tall and pale grey from the water and is thronged about with boats - like a great mysterious sailing ship itself.' His work embodies the methods of his influential tutor David Bomberg, capturing the visual forms of objects by exploratory mark-making. Creffield made several series of works on architectural subjects, on English cathedrals, French cathedrals, and properties of the National Trust. He is represented in the principal public collections.