History group celebrates 100th edition of Newtown Journal

More than 25 years of preserving Newtown’s heritage will be celebrated this week as the Newtown Local History Group launches the 100th edition of its long running Newtonian Journal.

The publication pays tribute to local artist Brian Jones and his collection of paintings depicting historic Newtown, with the special anniversary edition produced in full colour to showcase his work.

The launch will take place at Newtown Library today (Monday) at 1pm in the meeting room, where many of Brian’s paintings are currently on display.

Over the past quarter of a century, the Newtown Local History Group has researched and documented the history and cultural heritage of Newtown and the surrounding area through the Newtonian Journal, creating an extensive archive of local stories, people and places.

The 100th volume celebrates Brian’s contribution to preserving the town’s history through art. He has been painting for more than 60 years and has regularly supported local organisations by donating works to raise funds for community causes.

Among his contributions was a portrait of Newtown-born social reformer Robert Owen, which Brian painted during the 2020 lockdown before donating it to the Robert Owen Museum to mark the 250th anniversary of Owen’s birth.

Residents who own one of Brian’s paintings of Newtown are being invited to bring it along to the launch, or alternatively a photograph of it, to help celebrate both the artist’s work and the publication’s milestone achievement.

Brian Jones will be attending the event to meet visitors and mark the release of the 100th edition of the Newtonian Journal.