The owner of the popular Palé Hall has invested more than £200,000 to create a gallery featuring Welsh art.

Anthony Cooper-Barney, owner of the hotel in Llandderfel, near Bala, recently attended auctions with his hotel and estate director, Calum Milne, purchasing 93 lots of art.

These pieces were bought from the Rogers Jones' Welsh Sale and British & European Fine Art auctions at Gregynog Hall.

Of the pieces bought, nine are works from famous Anglesey-based artist Sir Kyffin Williams, costing more than £100,000.

The most expensive items were two oil paintings titled ‘Anglesey in Winter’ and 'Road to the Mine, Blaenau Ffestiniog', costing £39,000 and £36,000 respectively.

Also bought were two Sir Kyffin Williams watercolours of the same artist of a farmer and his walking stick for £8,000 and £4,200.

Mr Cooper-Barney said: "We aim to establish a gallery of leading Welsh artists here at Palé Hall to combine with a new sculpture trail that is being created in the gardens.

A large oil on canvas entitled 'Locks' by Harry Holland which was purchased for Palé Hall.  (Image: Supplied)

"My investment at the Welsh Sale of art is a statement of intent to support Welsh artists.

"As well as buying art for the new gallery, we shall be inviting talented Welsh artists to come and exhibit their work here, so that Palé Hall becomes a hub for Welsh art.

"We are committed to establishing Palé Hall as a coveted destination here in the beautiful heart of Wales and have exciting plans in the pipeline to support the local community and Bala."

Aside from works by Sir Kyffin Williams, the Palé Hall owner also bought works by other artists including Sir Frank Brangwyn, Josef Herman and many others.

The hotel, a member of the Pride of Britain Hotels and Celebrated Experiences group, plans to develop further.

The expansion includes the creation of a sculpture trail in the gardens, designed by Anthony Paul.

Besides showcasing art, the hotel plans to promote Welsh artisan food and drink products.

Mr Cooper-Barney said: "We are committed to establishing Palé Hall as a coveted destination here in the beautiful heart of Wales and have exciting plans in the pipeline to support the local community and Bala."