Portrait of Lewis Anwyl, 18th Century; from the Collection of Lord Harlech of Glyn Cywarch, Wales

Excellent opportunity to purchase an item of great provenance and historical significance. This work formed part of a collection of family pictures and heirlooms of Jasset David Cody Ormsby-Gore, 7th Baron Harlech (born 1986). The collection was recently held at the present family seat, Glyn Cywarch in Wales (see photo) and prior to that, at Brogyntyn (see photo) the former family seat. The portrait tells an intriguing story and allows a glimpse into the lives of one of Britain’s mos fascinating families.

Exquisite 18th century bust length portrait of Lewis Anwyl of Parc (c.1596-1641) wearing a slashed doublet and white ruff. Lewis Anwyl was High Sheriff of Merionethshire in 1640-41. In 1627 he married Frances Jones (1604–1633) and together they had one daughter, Catherine Anwyl (d.1685) who in 1648 married William Owen (1624-c.1678). The family desends from an ancient Welsh family with direct patrilinear descent from Owain, who was King of Gwynedd from 1137-1170 and a scion of the royal House of Aberffraw. The Anwyls were one of the leading county families in Merionethshire in the 16th, 17th and 18th centuries. The name Anwyl means "beloved", "dear", or "loved one" in English. An identifying inscription is upper left and on the reverse of the canvas (now obscured by lining). Oil on canvas, contained within its original superb quality frame.

The estate of Glyn Cywarch (earlier known as Glyn) belonged originally to a branch of the Wynn family. Early references associate it with Robert Wynn (d.1592), who was described in documents as 'of Glyn', but the present house was built for William and Kathryn Wynn in 1616. The house, and the title Lord Harlech, passed by marriage to the Owen family of Clenneny and Brogyntyn and the estate came (again by marriage) into the Ormsby (later Ormsby-Gore) family in the 19th century. Her Magesty The Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh (with the fourth Baron Harlech) stayed at the house in 1949 during an official visit to Harlech Castle. Numerous dignitaries visited Glyn including Jackie Kennedy and Tedd Kennedy and other members of the Royal family including Princess Margaret who stayed in the same Red Bedroom as her sister the year before. After her husband’s death, Jackie Kennedy became very good friends with her husband’s ally, the 5th Baron Harlech. Together they travelled around the world.

Brogyntyn Hall (sometimes referred to as Porkington) was originally a residence of members of the princely dynasty of the Welsh kingdom of Powys in late medieval Wales. It subsequently came into the possession of the Ormsby-Gore family (Lord Harlech). It is noted for a portico of four giant unfluted Ionic columns with scrolls and pediment. In the entrance hall survives an elaborately carved fireplace dated 1617.

The family was forced to sell Brogyntyn when it was hit with double death duties and now the house has now been abandoned. As such this portrait is a relic of a bygone era and an exquisite piece of British history.

Provenance: By descent through the Ormsby Gore family who had Brogyntyn as their family seat since the 16th century (see photo) and then Glyn Cywarch after 1815.

Literature: J. Steegman, A Survey of Portraits in Welsh Houses, Cardiff, 1957, vol. I, p. 70, no. 4 (under Portraits formerly at Brogyntyn)

Measurements: Height 93cm, Width 80cm framed (Height 36.5”, Width 31.5” framed)

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