“Rich Veins for Poor Men” is an original oil on canvas framed 658 x 555mm (picture size 508 x 405mm) created by Ian Mackenzie.
 
This original artwork is framed in a traditional 3 inch black wooden surround with a light coloured insert. It comes with a Certificate of Authenticity which is signed and verified by the artist.
 
It is available:
 
Original Oil on Canvas                                                             £1200
 
 
The Story Behind “Rich Veins for Poor Men”
 
Historically, Welsh gold has been worn by many of the Welsh Princes since time began. With the invasion of the Romans, it became extensively mined when they recognised its value, ripping it from the land with their new and innovative mining techniques.
 
Welsh gold forms in veins at a much higher concentrate than many other gold sources around the world and as such, became a valuable commodity to those that recognised its potential.
 
Mining for materials from the Welsh mountains is part of our country’s very culture and soul. For many years it brought prosperity to the Welsh nation. Now, as times change, so does this activity. Due to the high cost of extraction of such minerals as Welsh gold, production is now just a fraction of what it once was. 
 
Welsh gold has become rare and a highly sought-after commodity.
 
Here in this painting, the gold is held in the palms of a person but seen slipping between their fingers as time ticks away. Once in abundance, it is now the rarest and most expensive form of gold that exists. 
 
And yet again, another commodity that is falling away from the grasp of a Welsh nation that romantically looks back on its heritage.
 
Ian Mackenzie