Brains Brewery has named the two Welsh artists who have been commissioned to design the pumpclips for its Six Nations ales.
This is the second tranche of Welsh artists who have been commissioned by Brains, thanks to a collaborative arts project with Arts & Business (A&B) Cymru.
The Art of Brains commission was launched online, inviting Welsh artists to celebrate Welsh creativity through beer. The first commission of the project was for Brains’ two Christmas ales.
Now, Cardiff-based James Barry has won a commission for his Try SA design, which celebrates the camaraderie and passion of matchday. This is the second commission for James as he also was successful in his design for Brains’ Sion Corn Beer pumpclip.
Illustrator Dan John, who is also from Cardiff, won a commission for his pumpclip design for Tight Head Ale, a ruby-coloured full-bodied malt brew. James and Dan have each won a £500 commission fee.
“It’s an absolute honour to be involved in the Art of Brains,” said James. “As a proud Cardiffian, it is especially exciting to contribute to this promotion, where possibly the most iconic Welsh brand overlaps with its most iconic cultural event.
“To have a pump in pubs during the Six Nations will be one of my lifetime achievements as an artist!”
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Sara Leigh Webber, head of marketing at Brains Brewery, said: “This is the second round of designs we have commissioned through this collaboration, and the quality of work we are seeing every time is amazing.
“Dan and James’ designs have a clear narrative and are really eye-catching when placed on our pumpclips, ready to pour a few pints to celebrate the Six Nations tournament in the coming weeks.”
Rachel Jones, chief executive of A&B Cymru, added: “We are delighted to be embarking on the second stage of this exciting project in partnership with Brains Brewery. It is hugely rewarding to be offering such unique and high-profile opportunities to artists across Wales.
“Huge congratulations to James Barry and Dan John — I very much look forward to seeing the fantastic new designs in February.”
