About
Biography
1947
Born in Cardiff, S.Wales
1958
Began taking photographs
1958 - 1962
Attended Splott Secondary Modern School
1962 - 1967
Employed as technician, Physics Dept. Cardiff University
1967 - 1977
Worked as an advertising and fashion photographer in Cardiff
1977 >
Moved to West Wales to combine landscape photography with teaching at numerous workshops, colleges and universities
1979-1982
Elected National Chair, Association of Artists and Designers in Wales, and President of AADW Benevolent Society
1981-1985
Council Member and Company Secretary, Visual Artists Rights Society
1983-1984
Council Member, Ffotogallery Cardiff.
1987-1988
Series of sponsored field trips to Ireland to photograph the landscape
1989
Began the 'View Camera Workshops' - residential workshops for large format teaching with photographer and camera maker John Nesbitt
1990-1992
Visiting tutor, Gwent College of Higher Education
1990>
Series of fine print masterclasses and numerous workshops throughout the UK on large format photography and fine printing
1991-1993
Series of extended field trips to the north of England to photograph the landscape.
1992
Appointed Senior Lecturer, University of Wales, Newport.
Represented Wales at the 'Festival Interceltique', Lorient, Brittany, France.
1993
Visiting tutor, University of Wales, Aberystwyth.
1995
Artist in residence, St. Brogan's College, Bandon, W.Cork, Ireland.
Began major body of work on 'Cader Idris'.
1996
Artist in residence, Presentation School, Clonmel, Co. Tipperary, Ireland
1997
Published limited edition portfolio of platinum prints - 'Cader Idris'.
Awarded MA from Aberystwyth University.
1998
Appointed Course Leader of BA (Hons) Documentary Photography, University of Wales, Newport.
1999-2000
Visits to Sardinia to photograph the landscape.
2002
Winner of the Wakelin Award for Welsh Artists.
Visiting tutor, Karel De Grote-Hogeschool, Antwerp, Belgium.
Presented paper at Welsh history and culture conference, Syracuse, NY, USA.
Represented Wales at the 'Festival Interceltique', Lorient, Brittany, France.
2004
Artist in residence, Green Mountain College, Poultney, VT, USA
2005
Visiting lecturer, Royal Academy of Art, The Hague, Netherlands.
2008
Speaks at Welsh Culture and History conference, Toronto University, Canada
2009
Awarded Ph.D in Fine Art from Aberystwyth University
Public lecture at Fotomuseum, Antwerp, Belgium
Public lecture and masterclass at University of Ulster, Northern Ireland
2010
Visiting lecturer, Cardiff University
Guest speaker at 'Lens 2010', National Library of Wales.
Visiting lecturer, School of Art, Aberystwyth University.
2011
Began major, long-term project photographing the Cambrian Mountains, Mid-Wales as past of the interdisciplinary research team, Department of Archaeology and Anthropology, University of Wales, Trinity St. David, Lampeter
2012
Began reviewing, editing and printing work from his archives of over fifty years as initial preparation for a future major retrospective exhibition.
2014
Research and photography for proposed book on 'Cellan Parish' in conjunction with Prof. David Austin.
2015
Continuing work on a number of projects plus contributing to several group exhibitions and giving public lectures
2016
Participated in group exhibitions in Bangor and Oriel Mon, Anglesey plus continuing editing and printing past work for major retrospective exhibition.
2017
Group exhibitions in Carmarthen and Machynlleth, plus completing work for the major retrospective exhibition at the National Library of Wales
Begins making a new series of platinum prints and re-printing some of the 'Cader Idris' platinum print series.
2018
Planning a new touring exhibition of platinum prints to several venues
The National Library of Wales is to receive Pete's archive of work in stages, beginning this year and culminating when Pete's estate is wound up after his death.
2019
Continues with the 'Stilled Lives' series, adding a new set of colour images to add a new dimension to the larger series of work. Gives lectures at a number of societies and educational institutions and continues to donate material from his archive to the National Library of Wales.
2020
The National Library of Wales acquires a portfolio of prints from the 'City Stories' series to add to their permanent collection.
Visiting post graduate tutor and Ph.D supervisor, Aberystwyth University School of Art.
Prepares for a forthcoming one-person exhibition at Fotogaleri-y-Gofeb of his B&W landscape work.
Publishes a book of his urban documentary work: 'Innocence of Eye' and has two books in preparation for publication later in the year. 'The Expressive Land and 'Silentium'.
2021
Prepares and publishes another book of new work, 'Cynara'. A hardback, limited edition volume of photographs of globe artichokes from Pete's garden.
May: 'The Expressive land' exhibition opens at Ffotogaleri y Gofeb, Machynlleth.
2022
Printing for the forthcoming 'City stories' exhibition at the Found Gallery Brecon opening in late April. Including some photographs from the series never printed before.
Completes the edits and scans for the 'City Stories' book to be published in April by Cafe Royal Books.
'City Stories' exhibition to be shown at the Welsh Senedd 'Futures' gallery, Cardiff Bay from October to December.
2023
Making new work for the series 'The Ends of the Roads'
Printing and editing for the new 'Great Little Tin Sheds of Wales' exhibition in October
Making new platinum prints
Editing images for the new 'Catalog' of the 'Great Little Tin Sheds of Wales' being published in September
'Great Little Tin Sheds of Wales' exhibition opened at Ffotogaleri y Gofeb in Machynlleth on October 6th.
'City Stories' exhibition opens at Aberystwyth University School of Art Gallery on November 20th.
Pete gives a public lecture at Aberystwyth University School of Art on Dec. 6th.
2024
Public talk at the University of Wales, Trinity St. David, Lampeter on the history and practice of platinum printing.
Pete launches YouTube channel, showing and discussing his work and projects.
Work in a group exhibition at the Glynn Vivian Art Gallery Swansea, celebrating 25 years of the Wakelin Award for Welsh artists. Pete was a winner in 2002.
Bibliography:
Publications and articles by and about Pete Davis
2024
'Inscape'
No. 133, Statement and images, pp. 6-9
2023
'Leica Society Magazine'
No. 49, Winter 2023 Article and images on the 'Great Little Tin Sheds of Wales' pp 34-35
'Cambrian News',
21/09/2023. Double page spread, images and article about the 'Great Little Tin Sheds of Wales'. pp.20-21
'Leica Society Magazine' Joel Meyerowitz book review, Autumn edition, p.38
'Great Little Tin Sheds of Wales'
-
redux,
A 56 page catalogue to accompany the new exhibition.
2022
'Leica Society Magazine'
No. 45 Winter 2022 'Can't stand the heat? Article and images pp 30-32
Derek Hunter 'All the world's a stage' exhibition review. pp 33-35
Another Country book review p. 36
'Leica Society Magazine'
No. 44 Autumn 2022
'Even More Perils' of a Travelling Photographer'. Article and images pp. 28-30
Inscape'
No. 127 'Llanybydder Horse Sales' pp.3-5 Images and statement.
'Leica Society Magazine', No. 43 Summer 2022 Book review of Cafe Royal book - Daniel Meadows and Martin Parr's 'June Street Salford 1973,' pp. 34-35
'Western Mail' Weekend Magazine,
April 23rd. Article and images about 'City Stories' exhibition. pp 20-21
Publishes a set of 10 postcards from the 'Great Little Tin Sheds of Wales' series
'Cardiff 1969-1977' Cafe Royal books ISSN 2752-5619
'Inscape'
No. 125 'What's Your World?' pp. 11-13 article and images.
2021
'Leica Society Magazine',
No. 41, Winter 2021. 'What's Your Landscape?' Article and images, pp 26-28
'Leica Society Magazine',
No. 40 Autumn 2021. 'If You Want to get Ahead...Get a Book'. Article and images pp 32-33
'Offline Journal'
#007, October 2021. Article and image 'Going Platinum', pp 32-34
'The Expressive Land' Folio. Published by 'Offline Journal' in co-operation with Ffotoglaeri y Gofeb.
'Inscape'
No. 123 'The Poetry of the Ordinary', pp.4 -7, article and images
'Leica Society Magazine'
No. 39 Summer 2021 'What's Your Poison?'
pp 32-35
'Offline Journal'
#006 April 2021. Article and images on 'Silentium' and 'Cynara'. pp 6-9
'Cynara'
. Hardback book' of over fifty black and white images of globe artichoke plant forms collected from Pete's garden.
ISBN: 978-1-03-445631-5
Leica Society Magazine'
No. 38 Spring 2021 'Why We Need Our History'
pp 28-31
'Inscape'
No. 121 'Silentium' Article and images pp. 4-7
2020
'Leica Society Magazine'
No. 37, Winter 2020 'Going Platinum' pp 34-37
'The Expressive Land'. Hardback book - a collection of 100 landscape photographs from over thirty years of travel and various projects.
ISBN: 978-1-71-499979-8
'Silentium',
Hardback book of both black and white and colour images of plant forms collected from Pete's garden. ISBN: 978-1-71-510923-3
'Leica Society magazine
No. 36, Autumn 2020. 'More perils of a Travelling Photographer' pp. 32-35
'Leica Society magazine' No. 35, Summer 2020 'Where Have All the Young Ones Gone? (Long Time Ago). pp 36-38
'Innocence of Eye',
hardback book. ISBN: 978-1-71-484927-7
'Inscape' No.
118 Spring 2020 ISSN 0967-1935 pp6-9 'Ah yes, but is it art?', images and statement
'Leica Society Magazine' No. 34 Spring 2020 'The Perils of a Travelling Photographer'. Article and images pp 8-10
2019
'Leica Society Magazine' No.33 Winter 2019 'Who Needs Photography Education Anyway'. Article and images, pp10-13
'Leica Society Magazine' No. 32 Autumn 2019 'What do we Call Documentary'. Article and images. pp 34-37
'Leica Society Magazine' No. 31 Summer 2019 'In Praise of the Commonplace', Article and Images pp 34-37
'Offline' Photography in Wales No. 002 4/2019 pp4-5
Introduction statement and image
'Inscape' No. 114 Spring 2019 ISSN 0967-1935 pp6-8 'My Eye in Ireland', images and statement
'Leica Society Magazine' No. 30 Spring 2019 'Never Mind the Width... Feel the Quality' article and images pp 33-35
2018
'Leica Society Magazine' No.29 Winter 2018 ISSN 1350-116X 'Long Haired Yobs...with Leicas', article and images. pp 13-15
'Leica Society Magazine' No. 28 Autumn 2018 ISSN 1350-116X Can't Take photograhs 'ere', article and images pp 27-29
Leica Society Magazine' No. 27 Summer 2018 ISSN 1350-116X 'Horses for Courses', article and images pp 12-14
'Inscape' No. 110 Spring 2018 ISSN 0967-1935 pp 4-7 Portfolio of platinum prints and text
'Leica Society Magazine'No. 26 Spring 2018 ISSN 1350-116X 'Photographs Ready in 15 Seconds...', article and images pp14-16
'Inscape' No. 109 Winter 2017/18 ISSN 0967-1935 pp 22-23 Three images and statement
2017
'Leica Society Magazine' No. 25 October 2017 ISSN 1350-116X 'A matter of Life and Death...and sprocket holes'. Article and images. pp 28-30
'Leica Society Magazine' No. 24 June 2017 ISSN 1350-116X 'Making an Exhibition of Myself' Article on exhibition. pp28-30
'City Stories - Photographs of Cardiff 1969-1977' hard back book ISBN 978-1-36-646006-6
'Great Little Tin Sheds of Wales' hard back book ISBN: 978-1-36-639661-7
'Leica Society Magazine' No. 23 February, 2017 ISSN 1350-116-X 'From Today, Common Sense is Dead', article and images pp26-27
2016
'Leica Society Magazine' No. 22 October 2016 'Picture This' p33
'Leica Society Magazine' No. 21, ISSN 1350-116-X 'Picture This' June 2016 ISSN 1350-116-X 'Alteration or manipulation?' pp 27-28, article and image
2015
'Rollei User Magazine', issue 39, October 2015, portfolio of photographs -'Llanybydder Horse Sales'. pp. 14-17
'Leica Society Magazine' No. 19, October 2015 ISSN 1350-116-X 'A Leica fit for a Gent', article pp 14-15. 'Picture This', image and article, p.33
'Rollei User Magazine' Issue 37 - April 2015 - Portfolio of vintage work and article
'The Mountains of Snowdonia in Art' by Peter Bishop. ISBN: 978-184524-227-5 - Image of Cader Idris and discussion. pp 102-103
'Inscape' No. 98 - Spring 2015 ISSN 0967-1935 - Portfolio of vintage work and article
'Leica Society magazine',
No.17 February 2015 ISSN 1350-116X - Article on Documentary Photography at Newport.
'Western Mail' Jan. 19th. Portfolio of vintage work & article
2014
'Leica Society magazine', No.15 June 2014 ISSN 1350-116X - Portfolio and article.
'Inscape' No.94 - Spring 2014 ISSN 0967-1935 - Portfolio and article
2012
'Of Mountains and Memories', essay by Pete Davis in Peter Bishop's Cader Idris exhibition catalogue. pp 6-11
2008
'In Wildwood' major monograph, published by Lars Muller, Switzerland
'Inscape' No.71 Summer 2008, 'Wildwood' exhibition review by Christopher Livsey
2007
'Inscape' No.69 Winter 2007/8 ISSN 0967-1935 - Two images
2002
'The Meaning of the Land', Festival Interceltique Exhibition catalogue, ISBN:0 900439 98
2001
'Sardinia' exhibition catalogue. ISBN: 899095 18 7
'Inscape' No. 44, Autumn 2001, ISSN 0967-1935
1997
'Cader Idris' - Soul of a Lonely Place', limited edition book,
ISBN 1-899095-08-X
'The Welsh Lens', exhibition catalogue
'Western Mail', Oct. 18th. article on 'Cader Idris' exhibition and book
1996
Limited edition portfolio of platinum prints and 'Haiku' poems - 'Cader Idris'
1995
'Photo Art International', issue No. 3
'Inscape' No. 12
1994
'Western Mail', Feb. 14th. 'Northern Light' exhibition
'The Photographic Journal' , April, 'Northern Light' by William Bishop pp148-151
'Photo Art International', Issue No.1
'Inscape' No. 10
1993
'British Journal of 'Photography', March 10th., article & portfolio
'Northern Light' exhibition catalogue, ISBN 0 900121 76 9
'Liverpool Daily Post', Sept. 13th. 'Northern Light' exhibition.
1992
'British Journal of Photography', Jan. 16th.
'Western Mail', Sept. 7th., article on exhibition in Britanny, France.
'British Journal of Photography', 'Photo '93 Annual'. p.119
1990
'Photography' magazine, July issue, portfolio and interview
'Western Mail' Sept. 3rd., article on 'Landscapes at the Tabernacle'
1989
'Golwg' magazine, article on 'Celtic Light'
'Radical Wales' magazine, Summer issue, 'Celtic Light' exhibition review by Phillip Alder
1988
'Western Mail', Oct. 14th., article on 'Celtic Light' exhibition 'Celtic Light' exhibition catalogue, ISBN 0 9513813 0 X
1986
'British Journal of Photography', April 11th.
1984
'Western Mail', June 11th., article on 'Great Little Tin Sheds of Wales' exhibition
'Great Little Tin Sheds of Wales' exhibition catalogue, published by Ffotogallery, Cardiff
1979
'Link' No. 16, exhibition review by Phillip Alder
1979-1984
Numerous articles by Pete Davis published in 'Link', the journal of the Association of Artists and Designers in Wales
1974
Photographs used in 'Pelydrau Pell', published by Christopher Davies, poems by Euryn Ogwen Williams, photography by Pete Davis
Exhibitions
2023
November 2023 - January 2024 'City Stories' Aberystwyth University School of Art Gallery.
October. - December 'Great Little Tin Sheds of Wales' , Fotogaleri y Gofeb, Machynlleth.
2022
Oct. - December, 'City Stories', Senedd Futures Gallery, Cardiff Bay
April - May, 'City Stories'- Photographs of Cardiff 1969-1977, Found Gallery, Brecon.
Fotogaleri y Gofeb, Machynlleth.
2021
'Selections from their Collection' National Library of Wales, Riverside Gallery, Haverfordwest.
'The Expressive Land', Ffotogaleri y Gofeb, Machynlleth
2020
'Silentium' Penrallt Bookshop Gallery, Machynlleth.
2019 /2020
'Collection 2 - Elements' Ffotogaleri y gofeb, Machynlleth
2018 / 2019
'Collection 1 - Rituals of Intimacy' - Ffotogaleri y gofeb, Machynlleth
2017
'Observations - Collections - Recollections' a major retrospective solo exhibition, National Library of Wales, Aberystwyth.
'Impressions of Wales', Oriel Mon, Llangefni, Anglesey
'Self / Hunan', Henry Thomas gallery, Carmarthen
'A Clearly Marked Path', Pen'rallt Gallery Bookshop, Machynlleth, Powys
2016
'In Snowdonia', Storiel, Bangor
Oriel Colwyn, Colwyn Bay
Grand Theatre, Swansea
2015
'Made in Wales II', Cardiff Made, Cardiff
Carousel Gallery, London
2012
'100 Years of Photography at Newport' Wall Gallery. Newport.
2009
‘Wildwood’, Fotomuseum, Antwerp (One person show)
2008
‘Wildwood’, Aberystwyth Arts Centre, Wales. (One person show)
‘Wildwood’, Bolton Museum & Art Gallery. (One person show)
Laas, Italy.
2007
Oriel Theatr Clwyd, Wales. (One person show)
FSM Gallery, Florence, Italy
2006
St. Michael's Theatre, New Ross, Co. Wexford, Ireland (One person show)
Watergate Theatre, Kilkenny, Ireland (One person show)
2004
Feick Arts Center, Poultney, Vermont, USA (One person show)
2003
Photo-Eye Gallery, Santa Fe, 'Photographers Showcase' (One person show)
Gallery International, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
'Sardinia', Oriel Myrddin, Carmarthen (One person show)
2002
Festival Interceltique, Lorient, Brittany.
2001
'Sardinia', Museum of Modern Art Wales (One person show)
'Sardinia' Museo Genna Maria, Villanovaforru, Sardinia (One person show)
Royal Cambrian Academy, Conwy, Wales
National Library of Wales
Gallery 'S', Grimstad, Norway. (One person show)
2000
Gallery of Photography, Dublin.
1999
University of Wales, Aberystwyth (One person show)
Museo Genna Maria, Villanovaforru, Sardinia.
1998
Oriel Myrddin, Carmarthen (One person show)
South Tipperary Arts Centre, Clonmel, Ireland (One person show)
Aberystwyth University School of Art,
Zirtoly Gallery, Switzerland
1997
'Cader Idris - Soul of a Lonely Place', Museum of Modern Art, Wales One person show)
Clonmel Library, Co.Tipperary, Ireland
'The Welsh Lens', Museum of Modern Art, Wales,
School of Art Gallery, Aberystwyth University, (with Tim Milner)
1995
'Olau Celtaidd', Kilkenny, Ireland Ffotogallery, Cardiff
1994
Ffotogallery, Cardiff
1993
'Northern Light' - the Landscape of Wales and England. touring exhibition to major venues in the UK One person show)
Octagon Gallery, School of Art & Design, Newport, (with Wayne Coleman)
Lincolnshire College of Art & Design.
Canolfan Beaumaris, Beaumaris, Anglesey. (One person show)
1992
Festival Interceltique, Lorient, Brittany. (One person show)
1991
'Photography and the Landscape', University of Wales, Aberyswyth.
Oriel Myrddin, Carmarthen.
1990
'Landscapes of the Tabernacle', Tabernacle Cultural Centre, Machynlleth. (One person show)
'Recent Purchases', Dyfed County Hall.
Taliesyn Arts Centre, Swansea.
1989
'Recent Acquisitions', National Library of Wales, Aberystwyth.
'Our Photographic Legacy - Treasures of The National Photographic Collections', National Museum of Photography, Bradford.
1988-1991
'Celtic Light' - The landscape of Wales and Ireland.Touring show. (One person show)
Gallery of Photography, Dublin, Ireland.
City Gallery, Limerick, Ireland.
Henry Thomas Gallery, Carmarthen.
European Centre for Traditional and Regional Cultures, Llangollen
Oriel Bangor.
Haverfordwest Library.
Glynn Vivian Art gallery.
Ffotogallery, Cardiff.
Crawford Municipal Art Gallery, Cork, Ireland.
Wexford Arts Centre, Ireland.
1988
'Landscape Now and Then', photographers Gallery, London.
'Pictures for Public Places', Camarthen Library.
1987
'Out With a Splash', Swansea Arts Workshop.
'Special Edition', Ffotogallery, Cardiff.
1984-1986
'Great Little Tin Sheds of Wales'.Touring show. (One person show)
Llanelli Borough Library.
Wrexham library Arts centre.
Haverfordwest Library.
Carmarthen Museum.
Crafts Centre Gallery, London.
1984
Aberystwyth Arts Centre.
The 'Nineteeneightyfloor Show', Swansea Arts Workshop.
1983
St.Donat's Arts Centre.
'The Late, Late, Show', Swansea Arts Workshop.
1979
'Photographs of Cardiff 1969-1977'. Touring show. (One person show)
Camarthen Museum (with Jonathan Owen)
1982
'Ten Photographers' Eye', - The Welsh Landscape', University of Wales.
'Camarthen 5th Annual', Swansea Arts Workshop.
1981
'Pictures for Presents', National Library of Wales, Aberystwyth.
‘Who Camarthen?', Swansea Arts Workshop.
1980
'Just What I Always Wanted', Oriel Cardiff.
AADW Annual exhibition, Swansea Arts Workshop.
1979
AADW Annual exhibition, Swansea Arts Workshop.
Radio & TV Programmes
2019
BBC Radio 4 'Art of Now - Tin Roof Symphony' Tuesday August 30th.
1st. May - A podcast interview by Geoff Young of Ffotogallery y Gofeb
https://www.ffoton.wales/interviews/2019/5/pete-davis
2017
Video made by the National Library of Wales available on 'YouTube':
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=az5I0w0RkA8
The Arts Show', BBC Radio Wales
2008
BBC Radio Wales, 'Cader Idris', March 13th.
2007
BBC2W 'Lampeter Lives' Feb. 19th.
2003
HTV 'Creative Roads'
2002
BBC2 'Hidden Gardens'
2000
HTV 'River Patrol' July 31st.
1999
HTV 'Night Owls' March 30th.
1996
BBC Wales, 'Homeland' Sept. 15th.
1994
HTV 'Primetime'
1988
HTV 'Scene at Six', 'Celtic Light' exhibition
Radio Wales, 'Firsthand', interview on landscape photography
1987
BBC2 tv, 'No Limits'
1986
Radio Wales 'Chris Jones on Saturday'
1985
Radio Wales: broadcast on commercial photography
Radio Wales: broadcast on landscape photography
1984
Radio Wales', the Chris Stuart Show
'Swansea Sound', the 'Nineteeneightyfloor Show'
1982
Radio Wales, Welsh Arts Council debate
Work in public and private collections
Associazioni Culturale, Cagliari, Sardinia
Arts Council of Wales,
Carmarthen Museum,
Dyfed County Council,
Glynn Vivian Art Gallery, Swansea,
Green Mountain College, Poultney, Vermont, USA,
Museo Genna Maria, Sardinia,
Museum of Modern Art, Wales,
National Library of Wales,
University of Wales,
West Wales Arts Association,
S.4.C.,
Victoria & Albert Museum, London.
Work also in numerous private collections in the UK, Ireland, Europe, Japan and the USA
Awards, grants and Commissions
2016
Arts Council of Wales artist grant
2008
University of Wales research grant
2007
Lampeter University, research grant for work on Strata Florida
CCAT, (Cultural Cooperation and Touring) grant funded by the European Community
2004
University of Wales research grant for exhibition in Vermont, USA
2002
‘Wakelin' Purchase award for Welsh Artists
2000
University of Wales, research grant for Sardinia work
British Council grant for work in Sardinia
Arts Council of Wales grant
British Council, Rome, travel grant
1997
University of Wales College Newport, research grant for Ph.D
1996
University of Wales College Newport, research grant to produce portfolio of platinum prints
1995
Gwent College of Higher Education, research grant for M.A.
1993
Welsh Arts Council touring fund grant
1991
Clwyd County Council, research grant for ‘Northern Light’ exhibition 1988
Welsh Arts Council Grant for ‘Celtic Light’ exhibition
1987
British Council grant for ‘Celtic Light’
Irish Arts Council grant for ‘Celtic Light’.
1979
Welsh Arts Council, Artists grant
Commercial Sponsorship
Support for Pete's work has been received from a number of companies including:
Ademco Ltd.
Conservation Resources (UK) Ltd.
Goldfinger Ltd
Polariod UK
Silverprint Ltd
Jigsaw24
B&I Ferries
Cambrian Auto
Keencut UK
Sterling Photographic