Blue plaque honour for creator of Cambrian Pottery

THE man who oversaw the creation of the world-renowned Cambrian Pottery is being honoured with a blue plaque at the Swansea landmark he once owned.

The blue plaque will be unveiled to Lewis Weston Dillwyn, also an eminent botanist, outside historic Sketty Hall on July 2 at 12.30pm.

Swansea Council is behind the city’s blue plaque scheme.

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 is presiding over the unveiling event.

He said: “Our burgeoning blue plaque scheme is important because it marks Swansea’s rich and fascinating heritage. 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.