Arts and crafts in Swansea

is in West Glamorgan. It has a population of around 239,000 and covers approximately 38,000 hectares. Here is a list of nearby or neighbouring counties: Carmarthenshire, Neath Port Talbot

The City and County of Swansea is located on the South West coast of Wales and has the second largest population in the country after the capital Cardiff. The name Swansea is believed to be of Viking origin, whilst in Welsh the city is called Abertawe, meaning at the mouth of the Tawe, taken from the river Tawe which runs through it. For centuries goods such as wool and textiles, were traded through the port and during the industrial revolution Swansea became a centre of metal working, particularly copper, leading to it being termed Copperopolis. In the west of the county, the Gower Peninsula has some of the earliest evidence of human settlement dating back to the Upper Paleolithic period. The Gower Peninsula has been classified as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, and it attracts many tourists who come to enjoy the sandy beaches, outdoor activities and historic sites, such as the castles and ancient megaliths.

There is much public art in Swansea, including sculptures reflecting local history and culture, as well as pieces designed to brighten public spaces, with works being created by both local and international artists. Other attractions in Swansea include the Dylan Thomas Centre, which exhibits items from the writers life, such as books, letters and photographs and where events such as plays and poetry readings are held. Among the galleries in the city is Glynn Vivian Art Gallery, which has a collection including porcelain, glass, prints and paintings by artists including Claude Monet, Ben Nicholson and William Blake, as well as works by local artists. Swansea Museum has a collection which includes exhibits from local history and also hosts exhibitions and events promoting arts and crafts, such as photography, pottery and textiles.