Well-known local photographer and author Jean Napier is launching her new book this month: Bardsey- Now and Then, with a series of free illustrated talks beginning in November.

Originally from London, Jean has lived in Gwynedd since 1991 and the area provides a constant source of inspiration for her photography, and has published many books on the natural beauty of the area.

Jean says her primary motivation is to promote photography as an art form; using the camera as a creative tool to explore and interpret, not just a means for recording moments in time.

Jean told the Cambrian News: “I am really excited about my new book on Bardsey, Ynys Enlli.

“I have a real passion for Welsh landscape and history which I have strived to show in the photography in my books so far.

“In this, my sixth book now, I have written most of the text but have also included text from two historical diaries – one from an old inhabitant of the island from 1888 and another from the daughter of a schoolmistress on the island from the 1930s.

“Over the past 12 years I have visited and stayed on Bardsey regularly and through this book I hope to show just how much the island and all its people and history mean to me.”

Enlli has been many things to different people over the years. A destination for medieval pilgrims and a haven for pirates. The island supported 200 fisher-farming families at the turn of the 20th Century.

This book not only concentrates on the natural beauty of the island – which is the most westerly point of north Wales – but also focuses on the people over the years who called Enlli their home.

As well as taking photographs and writing books, Jean is busy teaching photography.

Jean’s free illustrated talks to launch her latest book started on 3 November at the Magic Lantern, Tywyn and continue on 20 November at Cletwr Siop, Tre’rddol at 7.15pm and on 21 November at Gwyndy Tea Room, Dolgellau at 6.30pm.

Read the full article in the latest Gwynedd editions of the Cambrian News