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William Williams, 'Will Penmorfa' (1759-1828)

CHAPMAN, J. (fl.1826 - )

William Williams, 'Will Penmorfa' (1759-1828)

Date: 1826

Media: oil on canvas

Size: 138.0 x 99.0 cm

Acquired: 1946; Gift; Baroness De Rutzen

Accession Number: NMW A 532

The blind William Williams (1759-1828) known as 'Will Penmorfa' was harpist to the Gwynne family at Tregib near Llandeilo. Many Welsh families maintained harpists. The best known, John Parry (1710-1782), was retained by Sir Watkin Williams Wynn as organist and harpist at Wynnstay at £110 per annum. Williams is playing the harp in a typically Welsh left shoulder position. The draughtsmanship of the instrument is unrealistic, especially in its stringing system. The artist who signed this picture may be the J Chapman who exhibited at the Royal Academy in 1819 and 1836.

Comments (2)

Comments are currently unavailable. We apologise for the inconvenience.
Amgueddfa Cymru Amgueddfa Cymru – Museum Wales Staff
19 October 2010, 14:06
Dear Mr S, thank you for bringing this error to our attention. We have now correct our records.
Many thanks,
Graham Davies,
Curator, Rhagor,
Amgueddfa Cymru - National Museum Wales
Mr S
19 October 2010, 10:25
I went to school at Ysgol Tregib (incorrectly listed as Tregig in the extract above) and the view of the mountain in the background can still be seen from where the now sadly demolished mansion used to stand
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