Nia Griffith MP has opened an art exhibition entitled “Retrospective at 90” to celebrate the ninetieth birthday and art work of constituent Frank Goddard.
The exhibition, supported by the Llanelli Art Society, is being held in the Athenaeum Hall at Llanelli Library, and is open to the public until 2 September 2017.
Born in Carmarthen in 1927, Frank moved to Llanelli during his childhood. He served with the Royal Corps of Signals between 1945 and 1948 and then worked as a shipping clerk for British Steel, based at Trostre. Despite his artistic talents, it was not until 1954 that Frank picked up a paint brush when he decided to enrol at a night class run by Llanelli artist John Bowen. Frank credits John Bowen as the inspiration for his interest in oil painting, and since his retirement, Frank has been painting and sculpting his own ceramic sculptures.
Surrounded by his family and friends at the exhibition, Frank said:
“I have enjoyed every minute of my painting since 1983. I am looking forward to another exhibition when I am 95.”
Speaking at the opening of the event at Llanelli Library, Nia Griffith MP said:
“I am delighted to have the opportunity to open this fantastic exhibition which celebrates the amazing range of painting and sculpture produced by Frank Goddard since he left Trostre steelworks in 1983. He is a real inspiration to all of us, both in demonstrating to us the joy and power of artistic creation, and in reminding us that it is never too late to develop new skills or try out different techniques. I wish him a very happy ninetieth birthday and eagerly await the work that he produces in future. I’d also like to thank President Patrick Mansel Lewis, Chair Colin Robins and members of Llanelli Art Society for the work they do supporting art in Llanelli. ”
Yvonne Boxall, Secretary of the Llanelli Art Society, said:
“Frank’s 90th birthday coincides with the 90th anniversary of the Llanelli Art Society and so we are especially proud and honoured to support this gem of an exhibition, showing a cross section of Frank’s talent and unique style that is uplifting, reminiscent and challenging in equal proportions. Frank shows us that it is never too late to explore new pastures and in so doing he has become a well respected artist and an inspiration to us all.”
