Things of Beauty: What Two Sisters Did for Wales
'Things of Beauty' explores the lives and influences of the Davies sisters of Gregynog. These remarkable women transformed the cultural landscape of Wales and, in time, a national art collection. The book tells a unique story, beginning with their grandfather David Davies, better known as 'Davies the Ocean'. He built the family empire by mining and transporting coal during the Industrial Revolution. The sisters used their immense wealth, informed by their strict religious beliefs, to use art and music to improve the lives of others.
The book features intimate family archive photos and art from the world-famous bequests (including Cézanne, Renoir, Van Gogh and Monet), and explores various aspects of their lives. Chapters cover their youthful travelling and art collecting, voluntary work in French Red Cross canteens, founding the Gregynog Music Festivals, the Gregynog Press and, of course, the formation of the now famous art collection. A fascinating look at two extraordinary lives against a backdrop of social and political changes in Wales.
Introduction by Prof. Prys Morgan.
ISBN: 978-0720005813 (0720005817)
Publication Date 31 July 2007
Publisher: Amgueddfa Cymru - National Museum Wales