Gwen John: Strange Beauties

1 Aug 2026-4 Jan 2027

Girl in a Blue Dress, Gwen John

Overview

Gwen John: Strange Beauties is the first major retrospective in over forty years dedicated to one of Wales’ most accomplished artists, Gwen John.

Born in Haverfordwest, Pembrokeshire in 1876, Gwen John studied at the Slade School of Art in London, becoming one of the first generation of women to receive a formal art education, before moving to Paris where she settled. Marking 150 years since her birth, the exhibition will showcase work from her early years in Wales through to her late works inspired by her religious beliefs, French modernism, and her surroundings in the Parisian suburb of Meudon.

Gwen John: Strange Beauties will offer a fresh new perspective on Gwen John’s work and artistic legacy. Rarely seen drawings and watercolours will be on display, many for the first time, giving an insight into her quiet yet determined artistic vision. 

The exhibition has been developed by Amgueddfa Cymru in partnership with National Galleries of Scotland, Yale Center for British Art, and the National Museum of Women in the Arts, Washington DC.