David Jones : I Saunders

Jones, David, 1895-1974

David Jones

<p style='text-align: justify;'><p>This inscription was gifted by Jones to his close friend Saunders Lewis (1893-1985) in 1960. The inscription relates to Welsh history and Llewelyn ap Gruffydd who was a figure of great interest to both Jones and Lewis, and a frequent figure in their correspondence. Jones encouraged Lewis to write a play about Lewelyn. 11 December 1282 is the date of Llewelyn’s death. 11 December is also the feast day of Pope Damasus I who is mentioned in the inscription. Jones also makes this connection in <i>Cara wallia derelicta</i>. The inscription also includes a familiar line from the Requiem Mass which Jones used on numerous occasions.</p><p>Included in Nicolete Gray, <i>The Painted inscriptions of David Jones</i>, London: Gordon Fraser, 1981, catalogue 51 (entitled ‘Er Fythol’).</p></p>