A new gallery has officially opened today in Pembroke Dock.

It was ‘standing room only’ at the Dockside Art Gallery as host Dawny Tootes invited members of the public to enjoy finger food and a glass of bubbly while they admired the unique artwork and molten aluminium sculptures.

A crowded Dockside Art Gallery on opening day
(Observer pic.)

Dawny’s involvement with art started 20 years ago high up in the rugged Preseli hills. Now she casts her sculptures at the Hot Slag Foundry at Water’s Edge, Pembroke Dock. ‘Slag’ is a foundry term describing the impurities that rise in the melting process, but Dawny found the cheeky-sounding name irresistible for a female-run foundry in a male-dominated industry.

‘Dockyard across the Cleddau’ molten aluminium artwork at the Dockside Art Gallery in Pembroke Dock
‘Dockyard across the Cleddau’ molten aluminium wall sculpture on display at the Dockside Art Gallery in Pembroke Dock (Observer pic.)

The new gallery in Dimond Street was officially opened by the Mayor of Pembroke Dock, Cllr Pamela George who delivered a small speech before cutting the ribbon.

The Mayor and Gallery owner Dawny Tootes outside the newly opened Dockside Gallery in Pembroke Dock
The Mayor and Gallery owner Dawny Tootes outside the newly opened Dockside Gallery in Pembroke Dock (Observer pic.)

Cllr George said: "It's a great pleasure to be here. It's lovely to see a new shop opening."

Mayor and Dawny Tootes outside the Dockyard Gallery in Pembroke Dock
(Observer pic.)

Turning to Dawny, she added, "I wish you well and I hope you have great success here."

Cllr Pamela George and gallery owner Dawny Tootes hug after the opening of the shop in Dimond Street, Pembroke Dock
A hug for the Mayor (Observer pic.)