Thomas Jones
The second annual Sir Kyffin Williams lecture will be given by renowned Welsh historian, Professor Prys Morgan.
A prolific and versatile author, Prys Morgan was Professor of History at Swansea until 2002. He has published many books and articles on Welsh and British history; penned a novel, a volume of verse, works on art, and also compiled the classic Welsh Surnames with his father T.J. Morgan.
The lecture will be given at Oriel Ynys Môn in Llangefni, which houses Oriel Kyffin Williams, at 7.30pm on Friday, May 7th 2010. It has been organised by the Sir Kyffin Williams Trust.
Professor Morgan’s lecture will focus on the life and works of Thomas Jones, Pencerrig (1742 – 1803), a man whose life mirrored much of Kyffin’s.
Like Kyffin Williams, Thomas Jones was a landscape artist – as well as an autobiographer – and he also worked in Wales, England and Italy. A pupil of the Welsh artist Richard Wilson, Jones was adept at producing pictures in his master’s manner.
Thomas Jones was the first artist to produce oil landscapes in the open air as finished paintings. After being neglected for a century and a half after his death, he is regarded today as one of the most original Welshmen of his age. His works are now seen in exhibitions across the world.
The lecture will also highlight his background arising from the pioneers of mid-Wales Dissent, and his life as the owner of a landed estate including Llandrindod Wells, and about his acquaintance with celebrities right across Europe.
Principal Officer Museums, Culture and Archives, Pat West, said, “We aim to establish the annual Kyffin Williams lecture as an important date in the arts calendar. It will help cement Oriel Ynys Môn’s reputation as one of the leading art establishments in North Wales.”
She added, “We’re therefore delighted to welcome an eminent speaker like Professor Prys Morgan to Oriel Ynys Môn. We expect tickets to sell quickly so I would urge those who want to attend to secure their places by contacting Oriel Ynys Môn.”
Professor Prys Morgan is also the President of the Honourable Society of Cymmrodorion.
The lecture will be delivered in Welsh with simultaneous English translation. Lecture tickets (£10) are available from Oriel Ynys Môn (01248) 724444.
The Blas Mwy Cafe will be open from 6.00pm. Call (01248) 751516 to book at table.
