Historic Dafydd Iwan painting discovered by volunteer at Nightingale House Hospice

A historic piece of Welsh art has been unearthed by one of Nightingale House Hospice’s eagle-eyed volunteers.

A painting by Welsh national treasure Dafydd Iwan, which had been donated to Nightingale House’s shop in Buckley, has now gone on sale on the hospice’s eBay store.

Dafydd Iwan is a Welsh singer and nationalist politician who rose to fame writing and performing folk music in the Welsh language.

His well-known hit Yma O Hyd was originally released in 1983 and has seen a revival in recent years, often played in relation to the Wales national football team.

His framed 2008 watercolour painting of Garnfadryn Iron Age Fort, Pwllheli, is signed and comes with an artist’s CV in an envelope and a certificate of authenticity.

Volunteer Marian Antrobus spotted the painting while sorting through donations at the store.

“I was just about to start dressing the window and the name on the back of the painting caught my eye,” she said.

“I couldn’t believe it! I started investigating and asked a few people about it in a Facebook group I’m in and there was a real buzz about the find.

“I have received a message from a family member and they remember the picture being painted and wished us well with the sale.

“Dafydd Iwan is a real Welsh hero and this truly is a piece of Welsh history, a real gem.”

Marian, who volunteers at the shop every Tuesday, added: “I hope it brings in a lot of money to provide care for patients at Nightingale House.

“The fabulous team there looked after my mother-in-law. They were wonderful with her.”

Shop Manager Gaye Sampson said: “This is an absolute gem and we are grateful to Marian for making the link when she saw the painting. 
“We hope the painting brings in a lot of money to help patients and their families at the hospice.”

The painting can be found on the hospice’s eBay store here.