Hill of Dreams

A dream-like new exhibition at Barnabas House gallery in Newport explores the landscape of writer Arthur Machen. The artist, Mark Williams, told Jenny White how it came about

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MANY years ago, artist Mark Williams borrowed a copy of Arthur Machen’s Hill of Dreams from his local library. Originally published in 1907, the novel is generally considered to be Machen’s masterpiece.

Machen (1863-1947) was born in Caerleon and became an influential writer whose novels and short stories were heavily influenced by his own interest in mysticism. His other notable works include The Great God Pan and The White People, and his short story The Bowmen created the legend of the Angel of Mons.

While his work fell into relative obscurity in more recent years, his influence rippled on: writers including HP Lovecraft, Peter Ackroyd, Stephen King and Iain Sinclair have all cited his impact on their work. More recently, Newport publisher Three Impostors has been bringing his writing back into circulation.