War II. History Series

About

This rich heritage acts as a starting point to bring together historical artefacts and images alongside works by contemporary artists.

As a sequel to WAR I (MOSTYN, 2014) which focused upon the building’s function as a drill hall during WWI, this new exhibition moves on to WWII and the building’s use as a ‘Donut Dugout’, which provided food and recreation for American troops resident in the town.

Contemporary artworks are placed in close dialogue with the findings from historical research, allowing us to view the past through the lens of the present.

This exhibition is curated by Adam Carr (Visual Arts Programme Curator, MOSTYN), and co-curated by Jane Matthews (Engagement Manager/ Research MOSTYN) with Richard Cynan Jones (Operations and Facilities/ Research, MOSTYN), and produced by MOSTYN. 

With 

Pierino Algieri | Vanessa Billy | Ulla von Brandenburg | Peter Coffin | Thomas Demand | Claire Fontaine | Félix González-Torres | Mario Garcia Torres | Simon Dybbroe Møller | Diango Hernández | Jon Kessler | Catrin Menai | Lydia Ourahmane | Christodoulos Panayiotou | Wilfredo Prieto | Mandla Reuter | Ron Terada | Sung Tieu | Gwyn Williams & Josh Whitaker

&

Artefacts, images and memorabilia telling the story of Llandudno and the surrounding area during WWII.

About the History Series:

Through a combination of historical texts, objects and images, and works by contemporary artists, each exhibition observes a specific period in the building’s history. The intention is to offer the opportunity for the public to engage with MOSTYN’s past, and for local people to explore their own history, while MOSTYN’s history is presented on a national and international stage. The building’s former uses are taken as starting points from which to explore new avenues for the making and presentation of exhibitions, and for the engagement of audiences. The History Series of exhibitions is funded by The National Lottery through the Arts Council of Wales, and Heritage Lottery Fund. 

With special thanks to Adrian Hughes of The Home Front Experience museum, New Street, Llandudno. Thanks also to David Atkinson, whose paper Memories of wartime (1939-1945) Llandudno was invaluable.