Tidal Fence on the River Conway, Bachlediog 

David Bates painted this scene, Tidal Fence on the River Conway, Bachlediog, capturing an unassuming figure amidst a pastoral landscape. Dominating the foreground is the tidal fence itself: a barrier crafted from stone, wood and thorny shrub. This seemingly simple structure evokes the human desire to control nature's rhythms. Consider the fence not just as a physical object but as a potent symbol of containment, harking back to ancient fortifications and even the walled gardens of medieval tapestries. Notice how it divides the cultivated land from the wilder river. This division reminds us of similar attempts throughout history to categorize and control the world around us, be it in scientific classifications or societal structures. The fence also hints at the psychological need to define boundaries, to create safe havens in the face of a chaotic world. These humble materials, arranged with purpose, speak volumes about our ongoing dialogue with the natural world and our enduring quest for order and security.