About Queen Street Gallery
Queen Street Gallery was established by Bethan Ash in 2018. The gallery represents some of the finest artists and designer makers in Wales, we also promote the work of up and coming new talent and run regular art competitions.
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We host monthly solo and mixed exhibitions in the main gallery in addition to constantly changing displays in our Cwtch gallery and ground floor shop area.
During lockdown we also showed monthly virtual exhibitions on our website, please click the virtual link on the menu to view and enjoy these virtual show.
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All the Art we exhibit is the property of the artists, not the property of the gallery, we are the agent selling on behalf of the artist on a sale or return basis.
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The atmosphere in the gallery and shop is friendly and informal and there is a broad range of styles and prices. Whether you are looking for a one-off purchase or are interested in building a serious collection we look forward to welcoming you!
A Brief History of Neath
Neath was given its Fayre and Market Charter in 1280 and still holds a street and livestock market each September; it was called Nidum by the Romans who established a Roman fort and numerous marching camps on the surrounding hills; these hills also gave rise to the name of Nest or Nyth as Neath is nestled within them on the flat plain of the glacial valley; the picturesque Cistercian Abbey ruins, dissolved by Henry VIII, are easily reached along the towpath of the Tennant Canal; the canal network extends to Briton Ferry, Swansea and Aberdulais where the first copper smelting works have been renovated by the National Trust, the Norman castle, which gives rise to the Welsh name of Castell Nedd, and the Norman Church of St. Thomas are located in the centre of town.
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The industrial heritage of Neath is apparent throughout the landscape; the canal network fell into disrepair when Isambard Kingdom Brunel brought the railways to the area and both systems were used to transport the vast amounts of coal and other minerals to the local ports. The remains of old mine workings and other industrial sites can be seen throughout the area. The industrial past which blighted our environment for so long has, ironically, left us a legacy of beauty and tranquillity: the vast estates of the coal-masters and industrialists are now country parks and the Gnoll Country Park, once the home of the Mackworth family, is a short walk from Neath Town Centre.
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The Vale of Neath is renowned for its great beauty and natural landscape. Its natural and industrial history has attracted well-known names such as J.M.W. Turner to paint many landscapes of the surrounding area. The time that the renowned naturalist, Alfred Russell Wallace, spent in the Vale of Neath in the early 20th Century inspired him to say that ‘I cannot call to mind a single valley that in the same extent of country comprises so much beautiful and picturesque scenery and so many interesting and specific features as the Vale of Neath’. Queen Street itself, named for Queen Victoria, leads from the green oasis of Victoria Gardens towards the indoor market. For over 150 years Neath has been associated with Rugby Union. Neath is one of the most influential towns in Welsh rugby history and Neath’s Castle Hotel was the birthplace of the Welsh Rugby Union.
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The opening of Queen Street Gallery is the latest stage of Neath’s historical and cultural heritage; an art gallery in Neath, offering an unrivalled gallery experience, featuring local, national and international talent. In time, the gallery and our artists, exhibitions and events will rival our Rugby reputation as we intend to exhibit probably the best and largest collection of original contemporary art in South Wales. Our aim will always be to champion art for all; bigger, better and bolder than ever seen before and a warm welcome will always await you when you come to visit Queen Street Gallery.
