The Story Behind the Exhibition
Echoes of the Eagle was inspired by the rediscovery of an 1816 illustration by William Weston Young, uncovered at Amgueddfa Cymru – Museum Wales in 2023. The drawing depicts the last recorded breeding pair of White-tailed Eagles (Eryr y Môr) in Wales, once nesting near Kenfig on the South Wales coast between Port Talbot and Porthcawl.
This powerful rediscovery opened a window into a moment when eagles still soared across Welsh skies. It sparked a creative collaboration bringing together artists, conservationists and communities to explore the story of Wales’ lost Eryr y Môr through art and storytelling. The illustration was accompanied by a striking historical note describing the fate of the pair:
“This drawing represents the Eagle taken near Kenfig in February 1816, a pair were seen in the neighborhood for some time, and traps were set for them, at length the female was caught, it remained in the trap for twenty four hours, before it was taken out, the foxes had visited the traps as usual to take what happened to be in them, but did not dare to attack the bird, the male hover’d over and remained near the spot most of the time, and remained some time after about that part of the country but could not be taken by any contrivance, it proved to be the Falco Albicilla or Erne.”
Today, this moment in history forms the foundation of the exhibition, connecting past and present as we reflect on the legacy of Wales’ lost eagle and the landscapes where they once soared.
Kenfig was the last known nest location for Eryr y Môr!
The Artists & Artwork
The Echoes of the Eagle Art Exhibition brings together the power of art, nature and community. In collaboration with Kenfig Nature Reserve and Art of the Fairytale, 13 Welsh artists created 19 original artworks, each inspired by the story and potential return of the White-tailed Eagle (Eryr y Môr) to Wales.
Each piece reflects the spirit of Wales’ wild landscapes — its coasts, skies and shared natural heritage — celebrating creativity while inspiring hope for the return of this iconic eagle to Welsh skies.
We extend our heartfelt thanks to every artist, supporter, volunteer and visitor who made this exhibition possible.
Diolch o galon 🤍
Education & Innovation
As part of the celebrations, Year 9 students from Ysgol Bro Gwaun created a beautiful shadow-puppet animation that tells the story and history of White-tailed Eagles in Wales.
This animation became a central feature of our ‘Echoes of the Eagle’ Art Exhibition and was used to premiere the celebrations. Echoes of the Eagle was developed by students at Ysgol Bro Gwaun and Smallworld Theatre, with a script written by our Education and Outreach Officer, Krystal King.
Take a moment to explore their imaginative work 👇🦅
Echoes of the Eagle (ENGLISH)
Echoes of the Eagle (WELSH)
