St Davids may be Britain’s smallest city, but when it comes to art, it punches considerably above its weight.
Surrounded by the extraordinary landscapes of Pembrokeshire’s coast, St Davids has long attracted painters, sculptors, photographers and craftspeople inspired by its particular combination of wild scenery, ancient history and brilliant coastal light.
The city itself is a good place to start exploring. Wander through the narrow streets around the cathedral and you’ll find independent galleries, studios and shops showcasing work by artists from St Davids and the wider Pembrokeshire area. Expect everything from paintings and photography to ceramics, jewellery, textiles and sculpture – often with the landscape playing a starring role.
And it’s not difficult to see why.
Head down towards the coast and the scenery changes constantly. Rugged cliffs, hidden coves, islands, beaches and huge skies provide seemingly endless inspiration. Whitesands, Porthclais and the coast around St Davids Head have all become favourite subjects for artists attempting to capture the distinctive character of this corner of Wales.
There’s also something wonderfully unpretentious about the local art scene.
Rather than feeling like a traditional gallery district, art is woven into everyday life here. You might discover a tiny studio tucked behind a cottage, meet a maker working in a converted outbuilding, or find a piece of artwork that feels inseparable from the landscape outside.
For visitors, this makes art in St Davids particularly enjoyable to explore. You don’t need to be an art expert – just curious.
