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The Davies SistersGwendoline Elizabeth Davies (1882–1944) and Margaret Sydney Davies (1884–1963) were daughters of Edward Davies (1852–1898), whose name is commemorated in the Edward Davies Building which houses the School of Art and the majority of the Collections. Photograph of Gwendoline Davies.  Photograph of Margaret Davies On the death of their father they inherited the family fortune amassed by their grandfather, the industrialist David Davies, together with their brother David, the first Lord Davies. The sisters were among the most influential patrons and supporters of the arts in Wales, and their renowned collection of 19th century French painting is now housed in the National Museum of Wales.  Photograph of Gregynog They did much to promote the teaching of art in Aberystwyth, and gave £5,000 to the University in 1918 as an endowment fund 'to provide income for the museum's needs'. This gift supported the establishment of the Art Department and the Gallery of Crafts, and was part of their commitment to the development of an arts and crafts revival in Wales. In September 1914 the sisters brought a group of Belgian refugee artists to Wales, including Valerius de Saedeleer and his daughters, who assisted Dan Jones in the teaching of art in Aberystwyth.  About Us | Acquisitions Policy | Acquisitions Policy - Graphic Art | Acquisitions Policy—Studio Ceramics | Our Ceramics | About our Collections | The Davies Sisters | Edward Davies Building — The Opening in 1907 | Edward Davies Building — Alfred Cross | Edward Davies Building | Edward Davies | Edward Davies Building - Elvet Lewis | Edward Davies Building - The Chemical Laboratories | Edward Davies Building — The School of Art | Edward Davies Building | The Gallery of Crafts 1918–1935 | The General Museum 1876–1929 | History of the University Museum and Galleries | Learning Policy | About us Main Page | Mission Statement | Publications | Staff | Thomas Jones | Valerius de Saedeleer Aboutus |
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