Flint Castle and coast reimagined by young artists in ‘Off Flint’

Flint Library is playing host to an  art exhibition, ‘Off Flint’, showcasing the artwork of local youngsters attending professional artist Helen Taylor’s Art Club.

Running from the 28th July through 29th August, the event celebrates the rich history and heritage of Flint, from the castle and coastline to the diverse wildlife of the Dee Estuary.

The artists, ranging from ages 7 to 14, embarked on the project in November 2022.

Using acrylic paint on canvas, they’ve depicted Flint Castle through the lens of different art history movements, including Mediaeval Art, Impressionism, and Pop Art.

They’ve blended in a bit of their own artistic license, creating a vivid, historical tour of Flint’s beloved castle.

Further enriching their exploration of local history, these young talents have portrayed people who’ve lived and worked in Flint since the Castle’s inception, bringing together a crowd montage.

They’ve also produced a collaborative collage of birds native to the Dee Estuary, and illustrated the Charles Kingsley poem, ‘Sands of the River Dee’.

The final collaborative canvas focuses on the boats of the Dee Estuary throughout history.

The ‘Off Flint’ exhibition is part of a broader initiative to engage locals in preserving and celebrating Flint’s rich heritage.

The initiative invites individuals and groups to share old photos, artefacts, and everyday stories of Flint.

These contributions will form the basis of a new community archive at Flint Library, making the collected information accessible to all.

The library also hosts informal drop-in sessions every Tuesday morning during term time.

Helen Taylor is an accomplished artist inspired by J.M.W. Turner, known for her atmospheric textural landscapes created with acrylics.

With her work exhibited across Mold, Qube in Oswestry, Life: Full Colour in Caernarfon, and the 2023 Liverpool Art Fair, she’s been hosting local art classes since 2011 and spearheading a range of community art projects.

Admission to the ‘Off Flint’ exhibition is free during normal library opening times, presenting an opportunity for all to delve into the vibrant history and culture of Flint.

For further information, please contact Jo Danson at jo.danson@flintshire.gov.uk.