Andrew Vicari, who has been described as the richest painter in Britain, was introduced as a honorary Vice-President at the launch of the Friends of the Gnoll Park on Friday, 22nd August. It was a considerable coup to have such a high-profile British artist with local roots present on this occasion.

 

 Vicari, the son of Port Talbot Italian cafe owners, is normally resident in the south of France or in Saudi Arabia where many of his rich clients live. Launching the Friends of the Gnoll Country  Park, Brian Warlow, its Chairman, spoke of the ambitions that they have to develop the appeal of the Estate. Vicari recounted how he'd swum in the pools at the Gnoll Park – and even hinted at more amorous adventures in its grounds in his teenage years!

 

The Mayor of Neath Port Talbot, Councillor Hugh James, warmly welcomed this initiative to develop the appeal of the Gnoll Estate which was given to the town as a memorial to those who died in the First World War. It is fitting, therefore, at this time of WWI centenary commemorations, that impetus is being given by the newly-formed Friends to exploring how to add to the appeal of this parkland estate.

Friends of the Gnoll Country Park with the Mayor of NPT