Professor Gwyn Thomas
Snowdonia National Park
Famous for:
Highly respected literary figure, Welsh bard and former National Poet of Wales
More info:
www.welshicons.org.uk
Background
Gwyn Thomas was born in 1936 in Tanygrisiau, Gwynedd and was educated at Ffestiniog County School, the University of Wales College Bangor and Jesus College, Oxford.
Long poetry career
Professor Thomas’ first book of poetry was published in 1962. In his long career as a writer he has published 16 volumes of poetry including:
Elevated poetry
You can read some of Professor Thomas' poetry in Hafod Eryri, the visitor centre on the summit of Snowdon.
Translated, the last verse reads:
The mighty King Arthur,
He slew Rhita
An evil and terrible giant;
When his warriors
Cast stone and stone upon him
They created this mountain, Yr Wyddfa!*
* Welsh for Snowdon
- Chwerwder y Ffynhonnau (Bitterness in the Fountains, 1962)
- Symud y Lliwiau (1981)
- Apocalups Yfory ( Apocalypse Tomorrow, 2005)
- Blaenau Ffestiniog (2009)
Arts Council and academic roles
Professor Thomas is also former head of Welsh at Bangor University, former member of the Arts Council of Wales and has also published numerous essays, critiques and translations, as well as a book on the classic poetic tradition in Wales, Y Traddodiad Barddol.
National Poet
In 2006 Professor Thomas was appointed as National Poet for Wales – only the second poet appointed to the post by Academi, the body responsible for promoting literature in Wales.
www.academi.org/national-poet-of-wales
Did you know?
Professor Thomas composed the poetry featured at Hafod Eryri, the Snowdon summit visitor centre. For further information, he can be contacted on 01248 362125.
