photograph copyright Rhodri Jones
photograph copyright Rhodri Jones

COFIO: Photography by Rhodri Jones, with art and archives that celebrate the life and work of John Ellis Jones (1929-2023), Classics Lecturer and former honorary curator of the museum.

“There is no pain so great as the memory of joy in present grief” Aeschylus

The exhibition’s focus is a selection of photographs by Rhodri Jones which are in the COFION book.  They are tender photographs, many of his father John Ellis Jones, following the death of his mother, Renée, and as he developed dementia.  The book also includes short essays by Angharad Price and Manon Steffan Ros, as well as selected poems which explore loss and grief.  The book is an exploration of grief which is both personal and universal bringing together different responses which turn grief into a conversation.

The exhibition also celebrates John Ellis Jones’ life and work – as a dedicated classical scholar and archaeologist who communicated his passion for his subject through his teaching role in Classics at Bangor University, as honorary curator of the Museum for Bangor University and as instrumental organiser of events and meetings of the Bangor Classical Association. Art and archives which capture John’s expertise and energy include archaeological illustrations based on his work in Attica and the Agrileza silver ore mining site, a selection of posters he illustrated for the numerous lectures and play readings he organised as well as archival photographs and documents.

Born in Sling near Bethesda, Rhodri works as a professional photographer, based near Bologna, Italy.  Working on both personal and commissioned projects around the world since 1989, COFION is his seventh personal photographic volume to be published. Described by Magnum photographer, Philip Jones Griffiths as a “Welsh poet with a camera”, Rhodri has had solo exhibitions in China, Eire, England, France, Greece, Italy, Netherlands, Poland, USA and Wales. His images have been used by leading magazines, newspapers, NGOs and publishers worldwide and his work is held in several public and private collections.

 

 

You may also be interested in

Event

Painting and Poems Workshop

12 - 15 August 2025

Art and poetry workshop under the care of Elin Alaw. Come and illustrate a piece of the history of the Gwynedd quarrying area, in this mixed media workshop. There will be an opportunity to discuss the form and quality of an old quarryman's tin, and then experiment with charcoal and watercolour to bring life to our images. Finally, we will incorporate Glan Tecwyn's poem into our work. This two-hour session, suitable for children aged 8 and older, is open to all parents, who are also welcome to participate. No prior experience in creating art is required. Limited numbers, so please book your place in advance.

Event

Felted Landscapes: A Creative Workshop for Adults

01 August 2025

Unwind and explore the tactile art of felting in this immersive workshop designed for adults. You'll learn both wet felting and needle felting techniques as you create your stunning wool landscape to take home. Bring a photo for inspiration or let your imagination guide you- either way, you'll discover how to blend textures and colours using natural fibres to bring a scene to life. No experience needed. All materials are provided- just bring your creativity!