14 April 2016

   S4C Chairman, Huw Jones, has paid tribute to the influential and prolific author and poet Gwyn Thomas.

Professor Gwyn Thomas died at the age of 79 on Thursday 14 April, 2016. He was originally from Blaenau Ffestiniog and later settled in the city of Bangor where he spent most of his life.

Huw Jones, S4C Authority Chairman, said; "I was saddened to hear of the death of Gwyn Thomas. As well as being a highly respected writer and scholar, Gwyn Thomas had great interest in all aspects of contemporary art and culture, often championing the widest possible and most inclusive interpretation of those genres. His work will be treasured and his company sorely missed.

"His contribution to the arts in Wales is invaluable and his influence on Welsh culture will no doubt continue for generations to come through his poetry, plays and published studies – also through those students who were inspired by him during his decades as a Professor of Welsh at Bangor University."

Gwyn Thomas was an expert on the Mabinogi myths and legends, and he was responsible for translating the work in to English. He was also a prolific scriptwriter and he adapted some of the Mabinogi tales in to an animated film for S4C in 2002, voiced by internationally acclaimed actors Matthew Rhys and Ioan Gruffudd.

In 2006 he was awarded for his contribution to the world of film and visual arts in Wales, and as a member of the Welsh Film Board. It was Gwyn Thomas, along with director William Aaron, who made the first ever Welsh language horror film, 'O'r Ddaear Hen', in 1981.

He was a poet of great significance, who was inspired by the people and the world around him, and his accessible style of writing contributed to the popularity of his work.

On St David's Day this year, a programme was broadcast on S4C which was a celebration of his contribution to Welsh literature. In the programme Gwyn Thomas: Gŵr Geiriau (a man of many words), Gwyn Thomas took us back to Blaenau Ffestiniog to meet writers and other artists to discuss where poetic and creative inspiration comes from.

In the programme he speaks to sculptor John Meirion Morris and singer songwriter Gai Toms, the artist Gareth Parry and composer Owain Llwyd. Through a series of fascinating discussions, we take a fresh look at the works of these artists and Gwyn's own career.

In tribute to Dr Gwyn Thomas, the programme Gwyn Thomas: Gŵr Geiriau will be shown again on S4C this Sunday night, 17 Ebrill, at 10.00pm. Optional English subtitles will be available on the programme.

Tonight's edition of Heno, Thursday night 14 April at 7.00, will also pay tribute to him.

Ends