A landscape artist from Crossgates is set to unveil her largest exhibition of Wye Valley paintings next month.

Lucy Burden’s work will go on display at the Pavilion in Castle Green, Hereford, from June 14 to 28.

“Flow / Llif – The River Wye from Source to Sea” is a major new body of work inspired by the River Wye and created over the last two years while walking the length of the river from its source at Pumlumon to the Severn Estuary near Chepstow.

Known for her atmospheric landscapes and seascapes filled with movement and fluidity, Lucy has exhibited widely across Wales including at Celf o Gwmpas, Found Gallery, Erwood Station, Hay Castle, The Lost ARC, The Wyeside Arts Centre, Llantarnam Grange, MOMA Machynlleth, Theatr Brycheiniog and Oriel Plas Glyn-y-Weddw and she has twice been longlisted for the Jackson’s Art Prize.

She is currently showing “Flow / Llif” at Chepstow Museum. Speaking about the exhibition, Monmouthshire County Council’s Chair, Cllr Peter Strong, said: “Visitors have been travelling to this valley for centuries, seeking the picturesque turn in the river or the sudden drama of a cliff. Lucy’s paintings carry that lineage forward - not as a repetition, but as a modern reading.”

Cllr Sara Burch added: “The Wye Valley has been drawing tourists and artists to our region for years. I would urge all those who can to visit this exhibition to see the beauty of the Wye captured quite magnificently.”

Originally studying French and Drama at University of Manchester and Acting at Royal Central School of Speech and Drama, Lucy previously worked as an actor, teacher, community arts practitioner and at BAFTA before returning to Wales with her family in 2007. She began painting full time following a life-changing car accident in 2018.

Lucy’s connection to the River Wye is deeply personal. Her parents farm at Nannerth, between Rhayader and Llangurig, alongside a beautiful stretch of the river where she spent much of her childhood exploring and swimming.

Over the last two years, Lucy has completed the Wye Valley Walk twice, walking slowly with her friend Nat, sketching, photographing and painting the river through changing seasons and weather conditions. She also joined the official 50th anniversary Wye Valley Walk led by Ruth Waycott, author of the Cicerone guide.

The resulting exhibition brings together Upper and Lower Wye Valley paintings across two floors of the Pavilion overlooking the river itself.

The exhibition will also include filmmaker Steve Bennett’s short film “Flow” alongside “Tarddle” by writer and filmmaker Tom Bullough.

Speaking about the upcoming exhibition, Lucy said: “Seeing, sketching and painting the Wye Valley in different seasons and weather has been an absolute joy. To exhibit this work at the beautifully restored Pavilion, Castle Green, Hereford, overlooking the Wye itself, couldn’t be more perfect.”

More information about Lucy Burden and her work, including examples of her paintings and details of upcoming exhibitions, can be found on her website and social media channels at www.lucyburdenart.co.uk and www.linktr.ee/LucyBurden