AN ORIGINAL painting by a Ceredigion artist has helped add to the coffers of a church attacked by vandals late last year.

As a result of recent vandalism at the Church of the Holy Cross Mwnt near Cardigan a local artist has contributed one of his sought-after originals of the Church to the local appeal for funds to rescue and restore the ancient building.

Wynne Melville Jones an artist who specialises in paintings of familiar images of West Wales works from a studio at his home in Llanfihangel Genau’r Glyn / Llandre near Aberystwyth  and hopes his contribution of an artwork to the appeal will be an added boost to save and reopen the church as soon as possible.

The picture is framed and painted on canvas measuring 30x25cm and was valued professionally at £395.

The artwork was put on offer and open to bids during January 2022.

The highest bid of £895. was offered by a local person  Carys James, Stepside (Agricultural Contractors and Lorries), Cardigan who now becomes the proud owner of the painting.

“I would like to thank Carys James and all the other bidders for supporting this appeal” said Wynne

“The aim is to help local fundraisers to reach the target as soon as possible in order to complete the repair work in  the interest of both the worshipers and visitors.

“I’ve been a regular visitor to Mwnt over the years and recent visits have inspired me to paint and record each visit and my aim in all pictures is to catch the unique sacred mood and the secret charm and the deep feeling of history that is a feature of the location.

The simplicity of the old building and the white-washed walls against a backdrop of the deep colours of Cardigan Bay is a strong image and is carved into ones Memory forever even after one visit

“It is one of the strongest Welsh images we have in Ceredigion

“I, just like so many other people was shocked to hear news of the destruction and vandalism at Mwnt especially during this fragile and uncertain pandemig

“It is so sad that there are people who cannot appreciate the culture and the wealth of history of this beautiful corner of Ceredigion” said Wynne