AN exhibition of images of the Rhinogydd are on display at MOMA, Machynlleth.

Jean Napier’s photographic exhibition coincides with the publication of her new book, written about the Rhinogydd, Mountains.

Jean Napier was born in East London, but has lived in the Snowdonia National Park since 1991 and the magnificent scenery of the park is the main inspiration for her photography.

Previously an engineer for Ford Motor Company, she undertook a BA Honours in Photography from 1991 to 1993 while working for the Outward Bound Trust based in Aberdyfi as an instructor during that time. This enabled her to explore the park in great detail over a number of years and inspired her to photograph aspects of it in more detail.

She recently completed a Masters in Fine Art at Aberystwyth University.

Man’s influences on the landscape of north Wales through the ages are a recurring theme in her exhibitions and photography books. Her first book, Rhosydd A Personal View – Golwg Bersonol (bilingual Welsh/English) depicts the remains of an old slate quarry in northern Wales with historical text. This was followed by three books that explore nine north Wales rivers from their source to the sea with photographs by Jean and text by Alun Richards.

Jean Napier: “I have been exploring the county of Meirionnydd for many years and find the varied landscape endlessly fascinating and one particular area, the Rhinogydd Mountains and surrounding high moorland, is especially captivating.”

“This land abounds with the remains of human habitation dating back through the centuries; ancient tombs, hillforts and stone circles, to name but a few.

“Also the old workings and waste tips from hundreds of derelict lead, gold, manganese mines and slate quarries litter the land revealing the extensive industrial activity that once existed here.

“I have spent many delightful hours following the ancient trackways through this land once travelled by man and beast on their way to market and their places of work.

“The local farmers believe that there are fewer people living and working in this wild upland area now than at any time in human history and there are precious few locations that this can be said about today.

“Many mountain farms are now deserted and the drovers’ inns and overnight stopping places are just ruins. Although the upside to this is that nature has been given the opportunity to reclaim her land and offer wildlife a place of refuge.

“In this exhibition I have endeavoured to convey my passion for this unique area and give you just a small taste of what can be discovered here.”

Jean will show a film and talk about her work on Saturday 20 January at 1.30pm at The Tabernacle in Machynlleth.

The exhibition runs until 17 February.

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