Wonderful gift now on display
Renowned local artist Meirion Jones has donated a striking portrait of Barbara Wood to Cardigan Castle.
The portrait was handed over to the Cadwgan Trust this week in the Miss Wood Gallery in Castle Green House.
Miss Wood – who owned the castle for 60 years - is a controversial figure who presided over decades of neglect and deterioration. However her feisty character, eccentricities and battles with authorities have fascinated and endeared her to the thousands of visitors who come to the castle.
The painting depicts Miss Wood in her trademark yellow sou’wester and red scarf, clutching her beloved cats with Castle Green House and the infamous caravan behind her.
“I wanted to depict her defiance and her dignity,” said Mr Jones. “She was almost like an Edwardian figure and she is already becoming part of the story and legends of the castle.”
Cadwgan chairman Non Davies said: “We are very grateful to Meirion for this wonderful painting which will no doubt enthral visitors to the castle.”
During the presentation Fr Seamus Cunnane and Glen Johnson gave some amusing anecdotes of their encounters with Miss Wood. A special book is being placed in the gallery for visitors to record their own memories of Miss Wood.
Picture: Artist Meirion Jones with Cadwgan Trust chair Non Davies and volunteer Meifis Griffiths who first had the idea for a portrait of Miss Wood.