Gwendoline Davies

Gwendoline Elizabeth Davies (February 11 1882 – July 3 1951), was a granddaughter of the philanthropist David Davies Llandinam. Together with her sister Margaret, she is remembered as a patron of the arts in Wales.

Gwendoline Davies was born at Llandinam, her father Edward being the only son of David Davies. Her brother was David Davies, 1st Baron Davies. She was educated at Highfield School in Hendon. She and her sister bought the mansion of Gregynog just after World War I, and set up a centre which has attracted artists and musicians to the present day. In 1923 the sisters launched the Gregynog Press, printing fine limited editions in both English and Welsh. The sisters had begun to collect art in about 1908, while travelling in Europe. In particular, they purchased many works by the Impressionists, and their collection was later bequeathed to the National Museum of Wales, forming the nucleus of its art collection. Whereas art was Margaret's hobby, Gwen was a talented amateur musician. From 1932 to 1938, Gregynog was also home to a music festival (revived in 1988).

Neither of the sisters ever married. Gwen Davies was created a Companion of Honour in 1937. She died in Oxford and her ashes were buried at her birthplace.

ources

* [http://wbo.llgc.org.uk/en/s2-DAVI-ELI-1882.html Welsh Biography Online]
* [http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/wales/mid/4751437.stm BBC]