Historic plans donated to Royal Commission

The Royal Commission’s successful move to the National Library of Wales has been marked by a generous gift of historic plans from supporters of the enterprising Building Preservation Trust, Love My Wales. The gift is a collection of evocative period drawings of Plas Gwynfryn, Llanystumdwy, a remarkable Victorian castellated mansion which was gutted by fire in the 1980s.  The drawings provide a valuable record of this historic building, once the home of Sir Hugh Ellis-Nanney MP, who was famously defeated by Lloyd George in the 1890 by-election for Caernarfon borough by 18 votes.

Decaying splendour of Plas Gwynfryn, Llanystumdwy, finished in 1878.
© Mark Baker: ‘Forgotten Homes in Wales’ Collection

Long section of Plas Gwynfryn, now safely preserved in the Royal Commission’s public archive.
© Crown copyright: Royal Commission on the Ancient and Historical Monuments of Wales

Mark Baker of Love My Wales explained:
‘The Plas Gwynfryn drawings collection is a rare instance of a near complete set of architectural plans for one of north west Wales’s most important historic houses. The drawings provide a detailed insight into building methods and design in 1870s Gwynedd and are remarkable as a record of a now lost interior. Love My Wales was incredibly grateful for all  the public support  received during the crowdfunding campaign to save the collection – over fifty individuals generously donated towards the acquisition which has saved them for the nation. Love My Wales donated the drawings to the Royal Commission to celebrate their historic move to the National Library of Wales.’

Christopher Catling, Secretary and Chief Executive of the Royal Commission commented:
‘This is a very welcome addition to the Royal Commission’s public archive, which now numbers over one million plans, drawings and photographs.  The support shown to the Royal Commission by Love My Wales and other voluntary groups and amenity societies has been truly heartening.   Heritage is an indispensable part of the Welsh culture.’

23/11/2016