Bronze Age Gold from Wales
William Williams, 'Will Penmorfa' (1759-1828)
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.
Collection Area
Art
Item Number
NMW A 532
Acquisition
Gift, 6/11/1946
Given by Baroness De Rutzen
Measurements
Height
(cm): 138
Width
(cm): 99
Height
(in): 54
Width
(in): 39
h(cm) frame:149
h(cm)
w(cm) frame:110.5
w(cm)
d(cm) frame:10
d(cm)
Techniques
oil on canvas
Techniques (fine art)
art dept - fine
Fine Art - painting
Material
oil
canvas
Location
Gallery 16
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