Oriel Ynys Mon, Anglesey's fabulous museum and art gallery

Oriel Ynys Mon is a purpose built museum and art gallery situated one mile north of Llangefni, it was opened in 1991, and looks remarkably fresh and new despite being almost 30 years old.
According to their information, 'the acquisition by the Isle of Anglesey Borough Council of Tunnicliffe's personal collection of his magnificent measured drawings and sketchbooks led to the opening of Oriel Ynys Mon'
Trip Advisor describes Oriel Mon as:
 'A large art gallery near Llangefni - at the heart of Anglesey. Showing contemporary work as well as showcasing art work by wildlife artist Charles Tunnicliffe and Kyffin Williams. The Museum offers an overview of the archaeology and social history of the island - from Bronze Age remains to items from the Royal Charter. With a gift shop selling Welsh art and craft as well as café selling homemade cakes, there is something for everyone to enjoy'.
It's the centenary of Kyffin Williams' birth, so in addition to the exhibition of his prints, there's a drawing prize, with works on show in one of the galleries.

 Kyffin Williams' work is instantly recognisable, these were my favourite prints, they are all offset lithographic prints and for sale:

 Above 'Moelfre' is just fabulous, I saw this view yesterday, and the print captures it perfectly.
Below 'Aberffraw'

 This one below is 'Cottage'

 I liked this photograph of the artist

there was also a mock up of his studio with lots of paint tubes

here's a general photo of the gallery with the drawing prize entrants' work on show

I  recognised this pen and ink drawing of the Circus in Bath by Kim Whitby, who also had another piece of work on display

From there I walked into the museum part of Oriel Mon where the Tunnicliffe display is breathtaking. Tunnicliffe grew up in Langley, Cheshire and in his latter years lived at a house called 'Shorelands' in Malltraeth. His work is displayed on a dark red wall which provides a perfect backdrop for his work.

There's also a cabinet with etching plates, paints and general equipment

I have included three of my favourite Tunnicliffe wood engravings, the one below on paper is called 'The Percheron'

This one below of a toad is an aquatint and etching on paper

 and another etching on paper, this one is called 'The Colt' and is on loan from Aberystwyth University

 I loved the museum presentations, particularly the information about the Royal Carter sinking in 1859 off Moelfre, and this was an excellent way of remembering recent past

 I think there might have been an earlier one which I haven't photographed

 I rather liked this painting depicting some of the kitchen equipment displayed below, including an impressive pressure cooker

 Below a replica of a gang chain for slaves or captives, dated 1st Century AD

I was also very impressed by some flower paintings made by sisters Gwenddolen Elizabeth Evileen and Edith Ellen Henrietta Massey of Cornelyn, Llangoed. They were members of  Anglesey's aristocracy, and produced some outstanding flower studies and detailed botanical information. Gwenddolen painted in watercolour and Edith collected flowers throughout the season, allowing for various stages of plant development. There are 506 studies in the collection held at Oriel Ynys Mon and of course provide a unique record of Anglesey's biodiversity.

 Above you can see on the left Common Elder in flower, with fruit set and then ripe fruit. On the right, there's a painting of yellow coltsfoot in various stages of development.
After looking round, I didn't go to the cafe which looked very inviting, but bought a book on walks on the coastal path by Carl Rogers, and books on Kyffin Williams and Charles Tunnicliffe. The children's section is also very good, I found a lovely book about making shadow puppets.