Marian Delyth is a Welsh photographer who became passionate about the medium of photography whilst studying graphic design at Newport College of Art in the 1970’s, but found herself sneaking into the lectures given by the documentary photography department led by David Hurn.
She then continued her studies at Birmingham polytechnic before embarking on her career which has been mainly in the publishing industry in Wales.
Her photographic work can be seen in many books such as the award winning ‘Wales in 100 places’, and ‘Enlli tu hwnt i’r Swnt’ (an extended photo essay on Bardsey Island).
Her work has been published extensively in magazines, and she has exhibited widely in the U.K and beyond.
Winnie Jenkins, Brynhyfryd, Bontnewydd, Mynydd Bach, Ceredigion. 1977
Last year ‘Darnau/Fragments’ a major solo survey exhibition celebrating 50 years of her photographic journey was a central feature of the Ffoto Cymru festival.
Exhibition poster with the photograph - Greenham Common. 1986
The exhibition was in collaboration with the Ffotogallery, Cardiff who described the exhibition as follows:
“Working as a photographer and graphic designer from her studio in Blaenplwyf, near Aberystwyth, Delyth has tirelessly celebrated communities across Wales by documenting causes for social and climate justice that impact society both locally and globally. Her work rooted in the documentary tradition communicates powerful narratives of the people and places that advocate for justice and language, land and liberation.”
At the end of an Anti-partheid rally, Cardiff. 1986
“Darnau / Fragments showcases Delyth’s radical and consistent curiosity: storytelling of the urban experience; the changing square mile of Mynydd Bach; Wales as a nation of activism; the non-conformist tradition and communities from Newport to Llandudno, Bardsey Island to Brittany, all throughout approaching each subject with respect and care.”
Women in Black protest highlighting the level of violence towards women, Aberystwyth. 2025
“The exhibition seeks to solidify her position as one of Wales’ most influential artists and celebrates her significant contribution to the artistic and visual identity of Wales.”
Marian’s talk here at Oriel Colwyn will be about the process of exploring her archive that led to the exhibition and her recent work.
Campaign for clean water by Surfers against sewage, Aberystwyth. 2024
*Main Portrait Image: (c) Laurentina Miksys