People’s Choice winner Anthony Skates and over 20 artists showcase new work alongside a Retrospective of Alastair Elkes-Jones 1942-2024

The Summer Show features Anthony Skates, winner of the gallery’s People’s Choice Exhibition, held in January 2026.

Visitors will be able to enjoy a diverse selection of work from over 20 exhibiting artists, including two artists new to the gallery: Shazia Mahmoud and Vernon Jones. Their work will be presented alongside established artists associated with the gallery, reflecting our continuing commitment to showcasing both new talent and familiar artists.

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Image below Francisco Centofanti

Retrospective celebrating Alastair Elkes-Jones (1942–2024)

Alongside the Summer Show we are presenting a retrospective celebrating the work of Alastair Elkes-Jones, a long-standing artist with the gallery.

Born in the small village of Trevor, near Llangollen in North Wales, in 1942, Alastair’s early life and surroundings had a profound influence on his artistic vision. From his childhood observations of village life, farming communities and miners to his later travels throughout Wales and overseas, including India, his experiences became a rich source of inspiration for his work.

Although Alastair studied Philosophy at Swansea University, graduating with a first-class honours degree, painting and sculpture ultimately became the central creative force in his life. Largely self-taught as an artist, he developed a highly individual and versatile style, working across different media and techniques and continually seeking to explore and develop his artistic practice.

His relationship with the Albany Gallery began in the 1980s, when the gallery offered him his first major solo exhibition in Cardiff. This important opportunity marked a significant moment in his artistic career and began a long-standing association with the gallery.

Reflecting on the inspiration behind his work, Alastair wrote:

“The people I paint are, to a greater or lesser degree, all known to me. They are the grown-up world of my childhood village.”

The retrospective celebrates not only Alastair’s remarkable artistic career but also his enduring relationship with the Albany Gallery.

His wife, Lavinia Elkes-Jones, reflects on his life and work:

“Alastair lived life to the full and will always be well loved by many. He is sorely missed by his three beautiful daughters, Hara, Rhi and Catrin, and me, Vin.”

— Lavinia Elkes-Jones, August 2026

Description supplied by the event organiser.