Celtic Manor Resort photographic exhibition

Press Release:

Photographic work by two graduates of the University of Wales, Newport were praised by Sir Terry Matthews, owner of the Celtic Manor Resort in Newport, which will host the 2010 Ryder Cup, as he attended the official unveiling of an exhibition especially commissioned by the Resort.

The culmination of the commission sees 18 large photographic prints of the greens at the famous golf course on exhibition in one of the corridors of the Hotel. The two graduates, Tanya Moulson, 22, from Cardigan in West Wales and Morgan Woodward, 24, from Bath, were chosen by a panel of judges who attended their graduating show in May 2006.

Speaking to guests at the launch, which included the two photographers, Sir Terry Matthews said, “It is good to see the relationship between the Celtic Manor and the University of Wales, Newport strengthening. I am very impressed with the quality of photography, which shows a contemporary slant on courses we have here.”

Adding that he hoped this would be the first in many ties that the Resort has with its local University, Sir Terry said, “I encourage you with your work. I want to fill this hotel with artwork – there are lots of corridors that will benefit from your talents"

“The number of people coming through the Resort in the build up to the 2010 Ryder Cup will be phenomenal – thousands of people. The best of players will play here and our job is to ensure that they have the best time and learn about our history and culture. I encourage you to capture the history of the area through photography.”

Geraint Cunnick, Programme leader in Photographic Art at the University of Wales, Newport, explained, “This launch celebrates the relationship between the University and the Celtic Manor Resort – two landmark buildings which show off the beautifully natural environment of the area. Our graduates were given an incredible amount of access to the Resort in order to carry out this commission, which has resulted in an interesting mixture of images. We’ve enjoyed working with such a high profile client – the outcome is the start of a contemporary photographic collection.”

Photographic Art is one of the popular degree courses at the University of Wales, Newport, where photography enjoys an enviable international reputation.