Andrew comments, "I don't think that in my years of being in the chemical industry and selling around the world, I found it quite as exciting as the current times in my own business". Andrew makes this comment in relation to the merger of his photographic business with Dave Newbould's 'Origins'. All the photography will run under the 'Origins' bannner which has become part of 'Aspects of Snowdonia'. Origins is a well established postcard, greetings card and calendar company with a terrific following, and Dave's images sum up Wales mountain grandeur to great effect. Dave says in his latest newsletter
After a lot of thought, discussion and prayer we have agreed to work more closely with Andy Kime. Andy has been a friend for many years and is a very accomplished landscape photographer. Under the name 'Aspects of Snowdonia' Andy has several other arms to his business - Castle Gallery, Siop Eifion and Roots, all based in Criccieth.
From our point of view, the main reasoning is to allow me a route to retirement at some point (don't panic, it will be a fair few years yet!). It will also be great to know that when I do eventually retire Origins will carry on with someone at the helm who holds the same business and Christian ethos close to his heart. From Andy's point of view it gives him a business arm that is complimentary to the others he owns, and also offers him the opportunity to share his photography with a wider audience.
Currently there will be few major changes, as I will still be running Origins from day to day. The 2017 calendars and new cards are all printed and use only my photography. However, in future Andy's photography will start to appear on the cards and calendars also. If all goes to plan, then within a couple of years we will have somebody take some of the administrative side of the business off me and I will find more time to get out with the camera. Even if I do retire in a few years' time, the intention is that I would still be taking photographs for Origins, as long as I am physically able. We are pleased to be working alongside Andy, and look forward to seeing what exciting developments come from it.
To see more of Daves work please visit www.davenewbould.co.uk
It is with some sadness that Andrew will be closing the Golden Eagle Gallery in the next couple of weeks. The Golden Eagle opened its doors to the public in March 2008, and has survived the worst the recession could throw at it, (just). So why when things are looking up, should it close? Simply because Andrew has purchased, in his opinion, one of the best High Street shops in Criccieth. Eifion Stores has been a feature of the High Street for many years, it stretches over three floors so there is lots of scope and there is certainly a buzz around Criccieth at its reopening, hence the excitement. These are interesting times, so if you find yourself in Cricceth, pay us a visit.
As of 1st August, Andrew brought Roots Bookshop into the Aspects of Snowdonia fold. Roots stocks books, toys, maps, guides and operates an internet cafe. Roots operated previously as a charity shop, fronting for the Criccieth Holiday Club Evangelistic Trust, (CHCET) which supports Trobwynt, (Youth Work on the Llyn Peninsular). Profits from the business will continue to support the work of Trobwynt. By bringing it into under the company umbrella, it is hoped to give a more secure financial footing to this work. Andrew would like to thank Andrew Bradley in particular, whose enthusiasm and energy have kept Roots going. It is planned to change the shop front in early 2016.
It seems that since expanding the business, Andrew's time has been taken up with learning new skills, finding new business, developing a plan for restoration and remodelling, project managing,(a big mistake),the work, getting the gallery back up running and back on the art trail in north Wales. Disappointingly this has meant photographic trips have been few and far between, however, the time has come to get back out into the wonderful landscape of Snowdonia. It is hoped that new additions will become much more frequent, so if you are a regular visitor, you should see a good many changes. Thanks for your patience.
It has been pointed out that there were no opning times for either gallery posted on website or literature, so apologies to those affected.... CASTLE GALLERY : Mon - Fri 9.00 - 5.00, (normally open throughout lunchtime) Sat : 9.30-12.30 & 1.00 - 5.00 Sun : Closed If in doubt please call 01766 522803 / 07802 384306 GOLDEN EAGLE : Easter to December : Tues - Sat : 10.00 - 5.00 / Closed Sun & Mon January to Easter : Thurs - Sat : 10.00 -5.00 / Closed Sun to Wed If in doubt please call 0176 522554 / 07802 384306
Following extensive renovation, Castle Gallery is now open. The gallery is dedicated to exhibiting the work of local artists, over the three floors, and complements the bespoke framing business. It was originally planned to also exhibit Andrew photographs but such is the diversity of talent, that the Golden Eagle remains open for this purpose. Castle Gallery will ultimately have its own website; aspectsart.com, but for now, new information will be posted here.
Andrew's business has expanded and now includes the well respected business of Les Burridge at Castle Gallery, 1 Castle Terrace in Criccieth, (just below the castle). A number of prominent local artists have their frames made and work hung in the gallery, (Andrew's frames for the Golden Eagle Gallery and canvas stretchers are also made there). Les, who has been invlved in picture framing since leaving school, remains involved, as his experience is invaluable, as does full time employee Merfyn Lloyd, another excellent framer. Both are friendly and happy to chat if you decide to pop in! Both galleries remain open, maintaining their current format in the short term at least, under the banner of ASPECTS OF SNOWDONIA LIMITED. Castle Gallery needs a lot of refurbishment, but it is hoped that it can be restored to former glories, and the business developed to include more gallery space, (if regs allow), over 3 floors of wonderful old building.
The May issue of Outdoor Photography, (no 139), includes Britain's National Parks guide. This gives one or two pages to each of the National Parks, suggesting what to see & photograph, where to walk, stay and eat. The two pages given to Snowdonia, written and photgraphed by Andrew.
The April edition of Outdoor Photography magazine, (issue 138), features a ten page article on what and when to photograph in the Snowdonia National Park, written and photographed by Andrew. This is the start of what must be a must have series of articles
Andrew is delighted to announce that he has successfully had his visual art panel accepted and is now enrolled as a Fellow of the Royal Photographic Society. Andrew's panel consisted of 20 images of Snowdonia in Winter. The Fellowship (FRPS) is awarded for exceptional standards of excellence and distinguished ability, and apparently it is a rare occurance that landscape images meet the critieria. More information on the RPS can be seen at www.rps.org Andrew's thanks to Andy Moore of the RPS for sending a photograph of the panel being put to good use.
Mae Andrew wedi llwyddo i gael ei banel celf gweledol wedi ei dderbyn ac mae nawr wedi ei gofrestri fel "Fellow of the Royal Photographic Society". Yr oedd panel Andrew yn cynwys 20 delwedd o Eryri yn y Gaeaf. Ceir fwy o fanylion am yr RPS ar www.rps.org