Wales’ first contemporary art hotel, Twr y Felin Hotel in St Davids, celebrated its official launch on March 18th, with a pop-up gallery of specially-commissioned art by internationally-renowned graffiti and street artist, Pure Evil. Created especially for the art hotel in Pure Evil’s iconic Nightmare Series style, the one-of-a-kind collection of canvases will take permanent residence at Twr y Felin later this Spring. The eight spray-painted portraits commemorate Welsh icons of song and cinema, with featured depictions of Tom Jones, Richard Burton, Siân Phillips and Shirley Bassey, as well as Anthony Hopkins, Katherine Jenkins, Catherine Zeta Jones and Cerys Matthews. Charles Uzzell Edwards (Pure Evil) said: “I was born and raised in Wales so was immediately excited to create the iconic Welsh portraits for Twr y Felin Hotel. Capturing an essence of Wales with a slightly sinister twist, the portraits are an excellent addition to the Nightmare Series – I hope visitors will enjoy them as much I have relished making them.” The collection joins more than 100 pieces of art displayed at the Pembrokeshire property, including bespoke work by Ben Eine, Mr Jago and Harry Adams, much of which is inspired by the area’s stunning landscape and heritage. Built in 1806 as a working windmill, today Twr y Felin Hotel is home to nineteen en-suite bedrooms and two unique suites – including ‘Tyddewi’ – a characteristic space occupying the site’s original windmill tower, which boasts spectacular 360 degree views of the St Davids Peninsula from its very own observatory. The hotel joins sister properties, Roch Castle Hotel and Penrhiw Hotel, as a luxury accommodation provider in the heart of the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park. Keith Griffiths, Chairman of renowned global Architects, Aedas and owner of Twr y Felin Hotel, Roch Castle Hotel and Penrhiw Hotel, said: “After seven years and an investment of £7m, it’s wonderful to see this historically-significant building finally restored and given a new lease of life as Wales’ first art hotel. “My combined passions for art, history and the Pembrokeshire coastline have provided a great source of inspiration towards the design of Twr y Felin Hotel and, with the help of a highly skilled and talented team of artists and designers, I’m proud to see my vision turned into a reality. “We hope that the addition of a third unique luxury hotel with a strong sense of history, art and place will help to further invigorate the economy of St Davids and Pembrokeshire as a whole.” As the first fully-serviced hotel in the group of heritage properties, Twr y Felin Hotel offers a seasonal menu at its onsite restaurant ‘Blas’ – meaning ‘Taste’ in Welsh – where guests can enjoy a fine-dining experience surrounded by the bespoke art collection. Along with the collection of canvases by Pure Evil, visitors can also enjoy original art works in ‘Cornel’, the hotel’s pre-dinner snug, ‘Oriel’, a dedicated gallery lounge, and within each of the hotel’s stylishly decorated bedrooms. the delicate yet destructive essence of Xenz’s work to the vibrant and edgy spirit of Remi Rough, Twr y Felin Hotel proudly displays the original artwork of Welsh, British and International artists, offering something for every artistic palate to enjoy. Minister for Economy, Science and Transport, Edwina Hart MBE CStJ AM, has welcomed the opening of Twr y Felin Hotel which has been supported by the Welsh Government through its Tourism Investment Support Scheme, the Minister, said: “Our tourism strategy for Wales emphasises the need to look at using our wealth of historic buildings to create high quality, distinctive accommodation. The history and character of this building make it very special with a unique story to tell, Twr y Felin has the potential to become a reputation changing hotel which can create new demand for Pembrokeshire and for Wales. “St Davids not only holds the title of Britain’s smallest city, but could also be considered to be the art capital of Wales. With a wealth of art galleries, heritage attractions, inspiring landscapes, and now, the addition of Wales’ first contemporary art hotel, there is great potential to attract visitors from far and wide to experience the area’s creative and unique offering.” Rates at Twr y Felin Hotel start from £180 per room per night on a bed and breakfast basis for two guests. Book online at https://www.twryfelinhotel.com/booking, telephone +44 (0)1437 725 555 or email [email protected]. Visit the hotel’s website https://www.twryfelinhotel.com/, find Twr y Felin on Facebook or follow updates via Twitter.