Ex-Wales Star to Visit Art Central as Football Exhibition Launches
FORMER Wales international Dave Roberts will take part in a question and answer event at Art Central this Saturday when an exhibition to mark the World Cup also launches.
Roberts represented Fulham, Oxford United, Hull City and Cardiff City during a 13-year professional career and also won 17 caps for Wales between 1973 and 1978.
He will be joined at the gallery by Gwyn John for the 11am talk.
Mr John will speak about his book The Wrong Shaped Ball, which tells the story of his 60-year involvement in local football.
Written during the pandemic, it chronicles his impact on the grassroots game, from helping establish Llantwit Major FC, who now compete in the Welsh League, to years spent coaching.
Mr John said: “I can’t wait to watch Wales at the World Cup and the events being staged at Art Central are a perfect way to whet the appetite.
“Dave Roberts and I will be holding an interactive talk on Saturday when people can ask us about our different experiences in the game.
“That is accompanied by a stunning display of Welsh sporting pictures.
“I’d like to wish Rob Page and the squad all the best for the tournament. Come on boys – do us proud!”
Art Central is also hosting a picture exhibition from November 19 to 29 as Wales prepare for their first World Cup in 64 years.
Part of the Gwyl Cymru Festival, a collaboration between the Arts Council for Wales and the Football Association of Wales, the exhibition will feature a range of images from Huw Evans Picture Agency and Rhys Skinner, Barry Town’s Club photographer.
Huw Evans Picture Agency has been capturing iconic Welsh sporting moments for decades and 100 of the best, depicting men’s and women’s teams, will be on show.
They have been published extensively in print and online media, while the company is the official photographer for the Principality Stadium in Cardiff, the Welsh Rugby Union, the Welsh regions, Glamorgan County Cricket Club and more.
Rhys Skinner follows Barry Town around the Country and beyond as he was also present for their recent Europa League campaigns.
His work catalogues unique moments of the team in action, travelling and celebrating with fans.
Cllr Rhiannon Birch, Vale of Glamorgan Council Cabinet Member for Education, Arts and the Welsh Language, said: “The Council is delighted to be taking part in the Gwyl Cymru Festival. It is fantastic that we are part of this unique international cross arts, culture and sporting event supported and promoted by the Arts Council of Wales and the Football Association Wales.
“We have a super football photography exhibition and a great talk with Gwyn John and Dave Roberts former Wales international taking place at Art Central Gallery in Barry. We here in the Vale would like to wish the Wales team every success in the 2002 World Cup.”
Art Central is part of the Town Hall and Barry Library complex in King Square.
More about the upcoming programme can be found at on the Council website, while places for the Q&A event can be reserved free of charge by visiting Eventbrite.