HISTORIC Cambrian Pottery’s distinguished former owner is to be honoured in Swansea.
Swansea Council is behind the city’s blue plaque scheme.
Dillwyn was born in 1778. His father, a Pennsylvanian Quaker, returned to Britain the year before during Philadelphia’s worst period in the American War of Independence. He was a vociferous anti-slavery campaigner and toured England and South Wales in this work for the Anti-Slavery Committee.
Dillwyn, who died in 1855, oversaw the production of the renowned Swansea porcelain during his time as Cambrian Pottery’s owner. He was also well-respected for his published works on botany and conchology, the study of mollusc shells. Dillwyn became High Sheriff of Glamorgan in 1818 and was elected as MP for Glamorganshire in 1834. He bought Sketty Hall and was elected Lord Mayor of Swansea in 1839.
Dillwyn was also one of the founding members of the Royal Institution of South Wales and its first president. He published a short history of Swansea in 1840.
Cllr Robert Francis-Davies, Swansea Council’s Cabinet Member for Enterprise, Development and Regeneration, said: “Our burgeoning blue plaque scheme is important because it marks Swansea’s rich and fascinating heritage. Many people with Swansea roots have achieved incredible things over the course of time, from success in sports and music to worldwide acclaim in science and the arts, so the blue plaque trail that’s now in place across the city is as educational as it is fun. This is the 10th that will have been unveiled in the last two years.
“Lewis Weston Dillwyn is thoroughly deserving of this accolade – his track record in business, botany and politics made him a stand-out figure among his peers. Other Swansea sons, daughters, events and places to have put the city on the map over time will be honoured in future as we look to further celebrate our captivating history.”
Other people to have recently received blue plaques in Swansea include Badfinger singer Pete Ham, women’s rights campaigner Emily Phipps and missionary Griffith John.
Have a look at www.swansea.gov.uk/blueplaques for more information.
Help keep news FREE for our readers
Supporting your local community newspaper/online news outlet is crucial now more than ever. If you believe in independent journalism, then consider making a valuable contribution by making a one-time or monthly donation. We operate in rural areas where providing unbiased news can be challenging. Read More About Supporting The West Wales Chronicle
