Gwendoline Davies
Art > Sponsor

Gwendoline Davies of Gregynog is famous for being an art collector and benefactor.

Gwendoline Davies

• 1888: Margaret and Gwen’s mother dies.
• Gwen and Margaret were educated at Highfield School, Hendon, and through foreign travel, particularly in France.
• 1908: They began seriously to buy paintings.
• The sisters acquired Gregynog mansion just after World War I, intending it to become an Arts and Crafts centre for Wales.
• 1923–42: The Gregynog Press published 42 rare titles, including many beautiful books.
• 1933–38: A music room with an organ was built, holding annual festivals of music and poetry.
• The National Council of Music for Wales was funded to a considerable extent by the sisters.
• Gwen was a talented amateur violinist.

Place of Birth: Llandinam, Powys

Date of Birth: 11 February 1882

Date of Death: 03 July 1951

‘The Davies sisters grew up at Plas Dinam, Montgomeryshire. Their childhood was dominated by the strict beliefs of Calvinistic Methodism. They learned that it was their Christian duty to make good use of the great wealth they would inherit.’ – ‘The Davies Sisters’, Amgueddfa Cymru Museum Wales – https://amgueddfa.cymru/caerdydd/celf/argraffiadol-modern/chwiorydd-davies/

External Links

Wikipedia - Gwendoline Davies

Dictionary of Welsh Biography - Gwendoline Davies