Aberglasney Gardens will be hosting a special exhibition as part of its 40th anniversary celebrations.

Internationally renowned artist, Andrew Douglas-Forbes, will be showcasing his unique exhibit titled ‘The Gardener’s Mug’ in the mansion.

This display begins next week, between Friday, July 19 and Thursday, July 25 and will celebrate the garden's 25 years of being open to the public.

For this celebratory milestone, Mr Douglas-Forbes has produced 25 artworks, focusing on the gardener’s mug.

These pieces use mugs to convey time and historical narratives, adeptly leveraging light and paint surface to craft captivating scenes.

Jim Stribling, Aberglasney's director of operations, said: "It is a fitting tribute to the work of this internationally successful artist and Aberglasney supporter that we are able to host this exhibition as part of our 25th anniversary celebrations."

Mr Douglas-Forbes honed his skills under Patricia Briggs at Swansea College of Art and received further guidance from notable artists like Gordon Stuart.

He is also an accomplished scholar of the Royal Academy of Music and a professional tenor who spent several years in Tuscany cultivating his opera career.

Curiously, upon his return to Wales, Mr Douglas-Forbes attended a ball at Aberglasney when the place was derelict and since the late '90s, his connection with the main hall has evolved, concurrent with the renovations of the building.

Thus, to understand and appreciate his work, knowledge about Mr Douglas-Forbes' diverse background as an antique specialist, artist, and operatic tenor becomes crucial.

Mr Douglas-Forbes' work symbolises the past elements remaining pertinent in our day-to-day life.

The exhibition harmonises the perceivable senses, akin to Aberglasney’s mission through their collection, garden, and educational programmes.

Each canvas in this exhibition encapsulates an atmosphere and traces changes over time.

Mr Douglas-Forbes seems to ask the audience, "Why is everyone afraid of beauty?

"It’s not a bad word."

These paintings, like poetic vessels, invite the viewers to ponder about time and beauty, distinctively using cups as abstract objects, underlining new perspectives.

The artist emphasises specific mugs and flowers embodying fragility and growth.

For instance, in ‘Hedgerow’ (2024), he painted a distinct mug and clipped delicate hedgerow roses from his garden.

An abstract, dark background starkly contrasts with the light, radiant flower serving as a striking centrepiece.

In another piece, ‘Olive Egg’ (2024), he presents a navy blue mug subtly layered with viridian along with a play of earthy red accents, embodying Vanessa Bell's technique as passed down by his tutor, Gordon Stuart.

Mr Douglas-Forbes' exhibition begins on Friday, July 19 for a preview in the mansion's main hall at 5.30pm.

The exhibition will run till Thursday, 25 July.

Admission for the event is free of charge but normal admission to the gardens applies.