Wayne Bedgood (1944-Present) is a Welsh artist of significant local importance, noted for his vivid painting style. 

Born in 1944, Wayne initially pursued a career in teaching and eventually became the head of art at Bryn Celynnog Comprehensive in Beddau (WalesOnline, 2013). He regularly involved his students in creating art for the local community, such as props and scenery for pantomimes by the Pontypridd Operatic Society in 1976 (Bowie, 1976) and the Dyffryn Dowlais Players in later years. 

In 1975, he designed the badge given to the Treherbert Primary School Rugby, which recognised their successful season (A memorable season, 1975). He also created a watercolour of Captain of Pontypridd R.F.C Bob Penarthy (standing between statues of Evan James and James James in Pontypridd Park), which was given to a group of local boys who had completed their gold Duke of Edinburgh award (Bob - giving... and receiving, 1977). 

He was also a judge of the second Annual Children's Arts competition for children aged 3-16, held at the Day Centre in Ynysybwl (Ynysybwl 1983). 

Outside of school, he notably won a £25 prize in a competition launched by the Pontypridd Observer, beating 40 other entrants, to design a new logo for the Pontypridd Community Centre in October 1986 (Dennier, 1986). 

He joined the Pontypridd Arts Society in 2005 and later became its chairman, running annual talent shows at Pontypridd Museum (WalesOnline, 2013). 

In 2014, the National Museum of Wales commissioned Wayne to create designs for coasters and placemats of St Fagan's (Maidment, 2014). 

Wayne's artistic talents have been widely recognised and appreciated in the Pontypridd community, where he has participated actively for many years. 

References: 

Bowie, D. (1976) “Something for everybody in Mother Goose panto,” Pontypridd Observer, 16 January, p. 7. 

Dennier, C. (1986) “Symbol of Learning,” Pontypridd Observer, 2 February, p. 9. 

Maidment, S. (2014) Top 10 stocking fillers, Museum Wales. Available at: https://museum.wales/blog/841/Top-10-Stocking-Fillers/ (Accessed: March 27, 2023). 

Pontypridd Observer (1975) “A memorable season,” 23 May, p. 24. 

Pontypridd Observer (1977) “Bob - giving... and receiving,” 25 February, p. 1. 

Pontypridd Observer (1983) “Ynysybwl,” 15 April, p. 9. 

WalesOnline, W.O. (2013) Strokes of talent on show, WalesOnline. Available at: https://www.walesonline.co.uk/news/local-news/strokes-of-talent-on-show-2238836 (Accessed: March 27, 2023). 

Written by Daniel Shepard