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Barry exhibition captures the changing face of Wales’ historic chapels

Thursday, 24 September 2026 14:16

By Nathan Spackman

A new photography exhibition celebrating Wales’ rich chapel heritage has opened at Barry’s Art Central Gallery, offering visitors a striking visual record of buildings that once stood at the heart of communities across the country.

Capeli, which is now on display at the Vale of Glamorgan Council-run venue in King Square, brings together the work of documentary photographers Chris Evans and Patricia Ziad.

The exhibition explores Wales' nonconformist chapels through two distinctive artistic approaches, documenting their architecture, character and cultural importance at a time when many face an uncertain future.

The photographers, who met while studying for Master's degrees in Documentary Photography in Newport, have spent years travelling across Wales photographing chapels that were once familiar landmarks in towns and villages. Their work highlights the significant changes that have taken place over the past century, with declining congregations and many buildings being repurposed or falling into disuse.

While both artists focus on the same subject matter, their styles differ markedly. Evans presents his images in black and white, while Ziad works in colour, with the exhibition showcasing everything from intricate architectural details and dramatic lighting to symmetrical interiors and repeating geometric patterns.

The exhibition officially opened on 10 September, with guests hearing from Vale of Glamorgan councillor Rhiannon Birch and noted Welsh historian, writer and curator Dr Peter Wakelin.

Speaking at the launch, Cllr Birch highlighted the historic role chapels played in supporting Welsh language, culture and education, particularly in rural communities where educational opportunities were often limited.

Dr Wakelin described nonconformist chapels as "the national architecture of Wales", noting that around 7,000 were built by Welsh communities and designed largely by Welsh architects. He said the photographs demonstrate the craftsmanship and care invested in the buildings over generations.

Both speakers stressed the importance of preserving a visual record of these historic sites before more are lost from the Welsh landscape.

The exhibition opening attracted a strong turnout, with visitors praising both the quality of the photography and the way the collection tells a broader story about Wales’ religious and cultural heritage.

Photographer Chris Evans said the images had sparked personal memories among visitors while also helping create an important record of Wales’ chapel architecture.

Patricia Ziad added that audience interest in the project had been particularly rewarding and described Art Central as an outstanding venue in which to display the work.

The exhibition has also been selected for the FFOTO Cymru 2026 Fringe programme, part of Wales’ international festival of photography, which this year is exploring the theme There’s More to Life.

In addition, Capeli complements the wider Capeli Cymru initiative, led by the Royal Commission on the Ancient and Historical Monuments of Wales and supported by The National Lottery Heritage Fund, which aims to document and preserve Wales’ nonconformist heritage.

Capeli is on display at Art Central Gallery, King Square, Barry until 17 October. Admission is free.

For opening times and further information, visit Art Central Gallery.

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