Storiel joins in with Menai Bridge 200th anniversary celebrations

To celebrate the 200th anniversary of the opening of Menai Bridge a new exhibition has opened in the Community Gallery at Storiel, Bangor.

The exhibition offers a glimpse into how the iconic bridge has been depicted over the centuries, using items from the Storiel collection such as topographic prints, artefacts, and a needle sampler of the 19th-century bridge.

Part of the display is an impressive five-foot-long model of the bridge designed and built by Steve Guinness using 10,000 Lego pieces. Steve Guinness was a winner on Channel 4's 'Lego Masters' programme and is known for his passion for creativity and inspiring the next generation in learning through play.

Storiel is calling on Gwynedd residents to visit the exhibition and share their memories and personal connections to the bridge. Donations can be made by sharing images, important stories, or even wedding photos with the bridge in the background. Visitors can also try building their own Lego bridge during their visit.

Over the past few weeks several Lego workshops have been held with local schools, giving children and young people in the area the opportunity to learn about bridge engineering.

A free family workshop led by Steve Guinness 'The Brick Consultant' will be held on Saturday, 28 March – advance booking is required.

Councillor Medwyn Hughes, Cyngor Gwynedd's Cabinet Member for Economy and Community, said:

"Storiel is an important cultural asset in Bangor, which offers an opportunity for Gwynedd residents to explore their history and heritage through collections and exhibitions. 

"This exhibition is a golden opportunity to mark and celebrate the 200th anniversary of the Menai Bridge, to learn about the masterpiece, and to get a taste of the Storiel collection associated with the bridge. It’s also an excellent opportunity to record memories and inspire the next generation.

"Make the most of your visit to Storiel by exploring the museum and the galleries, or have some refreshments at the recently reopened café."

Entry to Storiel is free and everyone is welcome.

For more information, please visit the Storiel website: www.storiel.cymru

Notes

LEGO® is a trademark of the LEGO Group of companies that does not sponsor, authorize or endorse these exhibitions and events.