Local artist Sam Garratt (1864-1946) is known for his views of familiar Brecon scenes.

This month we’re highlighting some of his colourful watercolours, two of which are on display as part of our current exhibition ‘Shining Mountains + Flowery Vales’ which links works from the museum collection at y Gaer with contemporary artists.

“These two early-20th century watercolours, showing Brecon Cathedral from the Honddu and Llanddew Church are instantly recognisable today,” said Assistant Curator (Art) Gracie Price. 

“But we also have an unnamed watercolour by Sam Garratt showing a house we think might be NyddfaHouse, and we’d be delighted if any readers can give us any information about it.”

Sam Garratt painted and etched landscapes and historical scenes which were widely exhibited. He was born in Leicestershire, the son of a seamstress and a farm labourer. He became a shoe rivetter and bootmaker, studying by night at the Leicester School of Art. In December 1906 the Brecon County Times reported that he “only recently came to reside in Brecon”, was an exhibitor at Royal Cambrian Academy, had just been elected to full membership of the Leicester Society of Artists, and had five water colours hung in Leicester Gallery. In April 1907 he advertised an exhibition of his paintings in Brecon, and had a painting exhibited at Walker Art Gallery Liverpool. The following year, he was elected one of the 100 first members of the North British Academy, and the Brecon County Times reported “There is an increasing demand in the district for Mr Garratt’s work” and hoped his pictures of Newton Farm would “infuse a little inclination into Breconians to preserve intact their local historical landmarks.”

Sam’s woodland scenes were popular. His painting of The Beech Grove, Brecon, exhibited in York in 1910, was described by the Yorkshire Herald as “a charming conception of wooded beauty”. Between 1908-1917 he showed many works at the Royal Hibernian Academy in Dublin. 

“But several of his paintings, of considerable value, were lost when the RHA building and all its contents were destroyed by fire during the Easter Rising,” explained Gracie.

“They included one of which an art critic wrote: ‘Mr Garratt surpasses anything he has ever painted. His technique is superb.’”

Sam’s studio was at 30 High Street, Brecon, initially described as “Over Bell & Co’s Boot Shop”. By September 1907 Sam was advertising as the proprietor of Bells’, then by 1909 as “S. Garratt (late Bell & Co) High Class Boot Maker”. Throughout the 1910s he increased his range of footwear and offered a same-day boot repair service from his workshop in Free Street. He was helped in the shop by his niece, May. Local newspapers enthused about his “high class goods” and the paintings which enhanced his window displays. 

He combined business, art, and involvement in the local community.  He was a member of the Chamber of Trade, on the committee of Brecon Swimming Club, and helped set up Brecon Water Polo Club in 1913. As a member of Brecon Sports Club, he corresponded with another team about the eligibility of Frank Hoddinott – as a professional football player (and future international, who has featured in previous y Gaer articles) – to play for Brecon. 

When the Guildhall reopened in 1916 after two years of improvement work, Sam painted the drop scene, a massive canvas showing a general view of the town and surrounding area from the Crug. Also in 1912, he was sworn onto the Grand Jury at the Summer Quarter Sessions at the Shire Hall, and in 1916 he was fundraising on the Prisoner of War Committee. Sam’s wife Elizabeth, who died in 1924 after a long illness, was also involved in town activities. 

A National Eisteddfod winner himself, he also encouraged others. At the Brecon Eisteddfod in 1926 he adjudicated the paintings and demonstrated of the process of etching. 

Some Sam Garratt paintings underwent conservation work by Cath Lloyd-Haslam prior to y Gaer’s opening exhibition in 2020. A large painting of Newton Pool in its original 1920 gilt frame was found to have a fine watercolour of Llangynidr Bridge on the back: this was reinstated with its frame so that it can be reversed.

“‘The Cathedral, Brecon’ and ‘Llandew Church’ are on display in our current exhibition ‘Shining Mountains + Flowery Vales’ which runs to 2nd September 2024,” added Gracie.

“The exhibition brings together botanical and nature pieces from the museum collections with works from local contemporary artists. Entry is free.”

One of the contemporary artists featured in the exhibition is Virginia Robotham, who since childhood has enjoyed sketching and painting in watercolours, especially botanical flower painting. Illustrated is her ‘Breath of Life’ rose, developed by Harkness Roses for the Royal College of Midwives centenary in 1981. On the closing of the exhibition in September, this framed limited edition print is to be gifted to the Birth Centre at the Brecon War Memorial Hospital.

If you have any information about Sam Garratt, or details about related topics to help us add to our knowledge, Jacquie would be delighted to hear from you. 

Contact us on 01874 624121 or at [email protected] (FAO Jacquie Morgan).