ANGLESEY, WALES.- Leading Welsh painter Sir Kyffin Williams, 88, died last Friday. He was known all over the world for his stark oil paintings of his native north Wales' landscape. He was a member of The Royal Academy. Geraint Talfan Davies, ex-Arts Council of Wales chair said , "That was the source of his popularity, he put his finger on something that connected with so many people. He was a figure - probably if you asked people in the street can you name a Welsh artist Kyffin would be there at the top of the list and he was a significant figure for half a century."

Mortimer Jones said, "He wanted to give young artists encouragement recognition because he realise how important that was - when you're a young artist coming up to have that support is all important. We know he was very critical of contemporary art...he had very strong views But he was also very open minded, much more open minded than people might imagine."

Robin Tomos, from the National Eisteddfod, said, "Kyffin was always prepared to speak his mind about the nature of art in Wales. He believed passionately that art should improve mankind's lot."