Alwyn David Rees (1911-1974) was a Welsh university lecturer and author. Born into a mining family in Gorseinon, Rees studied Geography and Anthropology at the University College of Wales, Aberystwyth, where he later became a lecturer (1936-1949). Over the course of his career he edited the magazines 'Barn', 'Opinion' and 'The Anvil/The Welsh Anvil', as well as writing several books including 'Life in a Welsh countryside: a study of Llanfihangel cymdeithasol at Gwynfa.'
"Alwyn D. Rees came to prominence when his classic anthropological study 'Life in a Welsh Countryside' was published in 1950. By then he was the Director of Aberystwyth's Department of Extra-Mural Studies. In 1961, with his brother Brinley, he co-authored 'Celtic Heritage', another classic. But what made him one of Wales's most prominent public figures was his work as editor of 'Barn' between 1966 and his death. His masterly editorials constitute fine and fierce arguments for giving the Welsh language official status in the civil and legal spheres of Welsh life, and intellectualised the campaigns of the Welsh Language Society and the defenders of the Federal University. It could be said that this bust is incomplete, for Rees was a chain-smoker, and it was always an experience to watch him thinking and scheming behind his cigarette." - Derec Llwyd Morgan, on plaque accompanying the head in Pantycelyn.
