A commemorative tablet was unveiled at Adpar Mill last week, to mark the birthplace of prominent painter John Elwyn Davies.

The idea of a plaque was hatched many years ago by Duncan Davies and the late Aynsleigh Davies, past headmaster of Ysgol Dyffryn Teifi, and was unveiled on July 24.

Carol Davies introduced Duncan who with the help of Carol and Wenna Bevan Jones had organised the celebration.

Duncan introduced Professor Robert Meyrick of UCW Aberystwyth, John Elwyn's biographer who then outlined his life and work. He introduced Gillian Davies, John Elwyn's widow who gave a short speech of appreciation and unveiled the plaque made by Ieuan Rees of Llandybie, watched by around 35 people, including some of his relations, neighbours and people who had collected his paintings over the years.

The whole project had been supported by friends of John Elwyn and the surplus will go to the Carmarthen School of Art. The fund will remain open for a time and anyone wishing to make a contribution should contact Duncan Davies, Cyncoed, New Road, Newcastle Emlyn, call 01239 710828.

The area is steeped in history, and is where the last man was put into the stocks in Cardiganshire. The last fatal duel in Wales happened near the spot in 1814, when John Beynon shot Thomas Heslop, 'a gentleman from the West Indies.' On the square at Adpar is also a tablet to the first printing press in Wales, established by Isaac Carter in 1718.

Pic: Ken Jones.