Mabon: to celebrate the start of Autumn
- Bonnie Helen Hawkins
- Sep 15
- 3 min read
Updated: Nov 1
 Hello Friends,
Some of you may have noticed I’ve been unusually quiet lately. That’s because there’s been a big change in my life—I’ve moved both house and studio! I’ve left Wales and am now living in Bradford-on-Avon, Wiltshire.
You might be wondering why this sudden shift. Well, Mike, who has been my gallery representative for many years, has decided to move in a different direction. So, I’ve taken over the gallery and transformed it into a studio/gallery space!
Of course, those who know me will guess that it will feel much more like a studio than a gallery. Tidiness has never been my strong point!
It’ll take me a little while to fully settle in, but once I do, you’re very welcome to visit. I’ll be open from Thursday to Monday at:
5 Church Street, Bradford-on-Avon, BA15 1LN
I won’t sugarcoat it—the move was exhausting. The house move was manageable, but relocating a studio is another story altogether! Let’s just say I won’t be rushing to do it again anytime soon.
The expense of moving has been incredible. So, I’m hoping to start an informal sale. Any reasonable offer will be considered on all original artwork! Pretty much everything you have seen on social media or my website is up for grabs. Just email me and let me know what you want. Unfortunately, I can’t discount the prints, cards, or books as the production costs are fixed. But anything else is open for discussion.
With this in mind, I should remind you that I’m taking part in the Bath Contemporary Art Fair on Sunday, 14th. It will be held at the Old Green Station in Bath. Come along between 10am-4pm. It will be nice to see old faces and meet new friends.
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A Seasonal Story: Mabon and the Autumnal Equinox
Now for a seasonal story related to the title painting. Mabon, or the autumnal equinox, is due to take place on 22nd September.
This time of year symbolises balance, harvest, and giving thanks for nature's bounty before the descent into winter. The term "Mabon" originates from Welsh mythology, specifically from Mabon ap Modron, a heroic figure from the Mabinogion, a collection of medieval tales.
The Tale of Mabon
Mabon is a character from the famous tale of Culhwch and Olwen. To win the hand of the lovely Olwen, our hero Culhwch must complete several impossible tasks. One of those tasks is to find and rescue Mabon.
In the tale, Mabon, meaning “Divine Son,” is the son of the Divine Mother, Modron. He is stolen away from her when he is only three days old. Culhwch enlists the help of King Arthur and his Knights to find the boy. Together, they question the world's oldest and wisest animals about his whereabouts. Eventually, they find Llyn Llyw, the oldest salmon in the world.
Llyn Llyw explains to our group of heroes where they can find Mabon and how, by using strategy, they can save him from imprisonment. Ultimately, the finding and release of Mabon is crucial to winning the hand of Olwen.
The original painting is available, as are prints and cards. It also features in my “Kindred Spirits” 2026 calendar.
Dates for the Diary: 14th September : Bath Contemporary Art Fair - Old Green Station, Bath. It’s my first time at the fair, so please come along and say hi! 4th Oct - 25th Oct : Under Milk Wood exhibition at the Queen Street Gallery, Neath. Although the exhibition starts on 4th Oct, I will be in the gallery on the 18th Oct to mark the start of the Neath Literature Festival. 18th & 19th October : Faery Weekend Glastonbury. |
Exciting news, The UNDER MILK WOOD book and mini prints are now stocked at the Golden Sheaf Gallery in Narbeth - a simply beautiful venue in a stunning part of Wales.
Here are a few photos: |
The gallery is very much set up as a "home from home.” You get to see what the art looks like in a domestic environment. It’s amazing! |
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