Daniel Yeomans’ portrait of Montgomery Town Crier Sue Blower was packed up by specialist movers and set off from Arthur Street in Montgomery to the National Library of Wales in Aberystwyth at the end of last week.

“The Town Crier” was painted in oils by Daniel Yeomans in 2016 when he was based at his studio in Llandyssil, after studying portrait painting in Florence. 

Daniel painted directly from life under natural light in his purpose built studio in the Montgomeryshire countryside, before moving to Switzerland.

The six foot high canvas of “The Town Crier” in full ceremonial regalia was unveiled in Montgomery in 2016 during a National Town Crier Competition, by the subject, the artist, and Mayor Eric Fairbrother. 

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It was subsequently unveiled and prominently displayed at the Senedd in Cardiff. 

Sue, Daniel and a group of Montgomery residents were hosted by Assembly Member Russ George for the opening event, at which Sue gave a specially-penned Cry.

“The Town Crier” was then generously gifted by the artist to the town of Montgomery in 2019.

Sue Blower, who has been Montgomery’s Town Crier for 22 years, said: “The lovely and talented artist Daniel Yeomans was so patient and really wonderful to work with. It was a sensational memory and experience. This marvellous portrait highlights the ancient crafts of portrait painting and town crying.”

For various reasons it was unable to be displayed for the long term in Montgomery. It was therefore agreed to accept a generous arrangement with the National Library of Wales to add it to their collection, which already includes the artist’s self-portrait, added in 2020.

The portrait will be stored within the art gallery’s tiered storage chambers and openly accessible on request, and will be displayed on occasions when the topic is associated with their theme at that time.

Sue said: “This is a wonderful opportunity for Daniel as the gallery are supporting young artists to have recognition of their work and talents.”

“I am very grateful to our dear friend Rhian Davies for forging the connection with Morfudd Bevan, the art curator at the National Library, making this a seamless transition for displaying this unique portrait.”

She also thanked everyone in Montgomery who has helped store, move and plan for the portrait.”

There will be a formal handing over of the portrait to the National Library in due course.

However, the portrait will also remain in Montgomery.

The technical department at the National Library are preparing a smaller digital copy which will go on display at Montgomery Institute for all to view.

Sue said: “Having a copy at the institute is the next best thing, and will mean the portrait is always accessible and can be seen by more members of the public.”

Competitive Town Crying will return to Montgomery when Sue and the town host this year’s Championship of The Ancient & Honourable Guild of Town Criers.

Sue added: “It’s a huge honour and a real coup for Montgomery and Wales to have been approached to host the Guild Championships, which has 30 competitors from across the UK and several other countries, to compete for the stunning silver George Carpenter trophy.”

This event will take place over the weekend of September 13-15th.