One of the most unusual candidates in the competition to win the title of museum of the Year has been described as “one of the most unusual” venues.
Ty Pawb, Wrexham, is shortlisted for the UK Museum of the Year award.
You will find market stalls, gallery space and cultural events at the centre.
Jenny Waldman, chairwoman of Art Fund, who awards the prize, stated that it was a “fantastic mixture” of art, commerce, and people with a “dedication towards diversity”.
This is Ty Pawb’s first nomination for the UK Museum of the Year award, which comes with a prize of PS100,000.
Wrexham was named a city on May 1st. It is hoped that a second title will be added in 2022.
Ms Waldman recently visited the UK with other judges. She said that there were many “brilliant” museums in the UK but she was looking for something that “marks it as special”.
She said, “We’re looking to find those who are taking museum work in another direction or doing something with their commitments to their collections or with one another, that really pushes museum practice forward on more.”
“Museums have a mission after Covid to serve their communities, get involved, and be useful to all those around them.”
Jo Marsh, Creative Director, said that Ty Pawb’s “unique resistance” was the reason she believes it was shortlisted.
She stated, “We are standing here in the marketplace hall – I have the food court on one side and the gallery on the other.
“So, I believe it’s the support that Ty Pawb has given to each other, especially after the pandemic. Customers coming in to purchase wool, then visiting galleries, and finally maybe going to an activity they brought their children to.”
She also mentioned that the judges were attracted to the Useful Art Space’s transformation into a gallery space. This space welcomes different groups each week.
“For example, today there is a group called Bom Dia Cymru. This group consists of Portuguese elders who we started working with during lockdown, posting materials through their letterboxes.
She added, “And now, the Useful Art Space has become a home for them.”
Ty Pawb also works with asylum seekers and refugees to learn creative and practical crafts skills. He has created product lines that are now available for sale in the country.
Liam Stokes Massey, a commercial artist who works out of Ty Pawb’s shepherd’s hut, said that the area was a “brilliant place to work” because of the “wide range” of items available.
“I get lots of people in my office on busy days or when there is an event. He said that they’ll often come to see what I’m working on, which is great because it leads to work or prints.
After being named City of Culture 2025, Mr Stokes-Massey stated that he believes it is time for Wrexham recognition.
It shows that it is on the rise. He said that comparing it to 10 years ago is a great comparison.
Mared Jones from Wrexham is a regular at Ty Pawb’s food court. She said that there is always something going on.
It’s very pleasant. She said that they have many events and it’s a very welcoming place.
Ty Pawb opened in 2018 and is the host of Focus Wales’ annual music festival. It also hosts regular art exhibitions in its gallery space.
The backdrop for the UK Museum of the Year judges’ visit at Wrexham was its flagship summer exhibition, The Tailor’s Tale.
It combines artistic responses to the Wrexham Tailor’s Quilt. This quilt was created by James Williams in 1842-1852 and is now permanently kept at St Fagans National Museum of History in Cardiff. In 2019, it was named Museum of the Year.
The exhibit features a Wrexham quilt designed by Adam Jones, a Wrexham-born and London-based fashion designer.
“Wrexham always creeps into my job. He said that he would go on walks and see the beauty of the countryside, as well as old Welsh lace.
“Wrexham has changed a lot since my time here… Ty Pawb is very exciting to see.
“You can be inspired and involved by artists from around the world, as well as local artists.”
He stated that he was proud to be from Wrexham after being nominated for City of Culture and the UK Museum of the Year.
He said, “It feels very interesting to say that you are from Wrexham now.”
Jo Marsh said that even being nominated as City of Culture was a sign of the “richness of the cultural landscape.”
She added, “If we win Museum of the Year that would be another great affirmation.”
“That would be a great prize for all of Wrexham.”
The Museum of Making (Derby), Horniman Museum and Gardens London, People’s History Museum Manchester and The Story Museum Oxford are the other four museums shortlisted.
All museums shortlisted receive PS15,000; the winner will be announced on July 14.
