BBC Cymru Wales has commissioned John Meirion Morris to create a commemorative sculpture of the late, great Ray Gravell.
The commission is to create a portrait sculpture as a permanent tribute to the accomplished rugby player from Mynydd-y-Garreg, who became a familiar and much-loved presenter on BBC Wales services.
John Meirion Morris is a professional sculptor born, and now based, in Llanuwchllyn near Bala.
He has created a number of bronze portrait heads including a sculpture of Welsh poet Gwenallt, children’s author T Llew Jones, former National Poet Gwyn Thomas and Edward Lhuyd (1660-1709), former keeper of the Ashmolean Museum, Oxford.
Ten of his portraits are exhibited as part of The National Library of Wales permanent collection.
His bronze cross, titled The Untenanted Cross, is a tribute to poet RS Thomas and can be seen on the altar of the Anglican Church in Porthmadog.
Morris – who was a university lecturer in England, Ghana and Wales for almost 30 years – was also awarded the Glyndwr Award for his contribution to the Arts by The Museum of Modern Art, Wales in 2001.
Menna Richards, Director, BBC Cymru Wales, said: “John Meirion Morris is one of Wales’ leading sculptors – an artist who takes inspiration from the Welsh spirit, language, culture and tradition.
“He has a talent for capturing the character of his subjects in each of his sculptures.”
BBC Wales has worked in partnership with Safle, the Wales-based independent public art consultancy and one of the largest public art organisations in the UK, to commission John Meirion Morris.
The final art work will sit alongside other figurative busts – including Carwyn James and Ryan Davies – in the reception area of BBC Wales in Cardiff and will depict Ray Gravell in his role as broadcaster.
