UWB Crest

School of Welsh

Sir Ifor Williams Exhibition

Publication date: 7/07/2008

An exhibition following the life and work of a Tregarth man who became the Professor of Welsh at Bangor University is open to the public at Bangor University's Shankland Reading Room in the University's Main Arts Library until the end of August.

Sir Ifor Williams' (1881-1965) main interest was early Welsh poetry, such as the work of Aneirin, Taliesin and Llywarch Hen - his publications reflect this.

However, he made an effort not to alienate himself from the ordinary Welshman and confine himself to academic life. He would travel throughout Britain, lecturing to local societies, and his voice would be heard on the radio regularly, speaking on subjects that would appeal to everyone. He was an authority on place-names and was interested in spoken Welsh and everyday words that had fallen out of use.

He married Myfanwy Jones of Pontllyfni in 1913 and they had two children, Gwyn and Gwenno. He was knighted in 1947 and died in 1965.

The Library will be open between 8.45 and 5.00 from Monday to Friday, with the exception of Tuesday and Thursday when it will be open until 7.00.