By: DONOVAN, James (1974-)

Acq. Number: 693

Dimensions: 90 x 36 cm x 3, in frame 97.0 x 114.2 cm

Artwork_Medium: Oil on canvas

Purchased: 1999

Buyer: PRICE-OWEN, Dr Anne

Location: University of South Wales (Oriel y Bont)

Town: Treforest

Content: Well known for his large uncompromising compositions of coal miners at Tower Colliery, Donovan perpetuates a tradition instigated by Josef Herman and Will Roberts, commemorating the endurance and dignity of mining communities. But his work is about more than miners, as this painting demonstrates. A triptych is traditionally a religious composition, perhaps here referring to the importance of chapel in his community, but acknowledging modern interests and pastimes. Left-to-right the figures are titled Beggarman, Blindman and Thief.