penrhyn du, Anglesey

Kyffin Williams was born into an old landed Anglesey family. After failing the Army medical examination in 1941, doctors advised him to become an artist, and so began the career of one of Wales’ most prolific artists.

Despite academic difficulties, Sir Kyffin enrolled at London’s Slade School of Fine Art in 1941 and taught art at Highgate School, London. In 1968 he won a scholarship to study and paint those of Welsh descent in Patagonia.

He continued to paint, and lived at Pwll Fanogl, near Llanfairpwll, until his death. His work is on display in many galleries all over Britain and is on permanent exhibition in Oriel Mon, Anglesey. Sir Kyffin was President of the Royal Cambrian Academy and a member of the Royal Academy.