A new sculpture of Gwenllian Morgan (1859–1939), Wales’ first woman mayor, was unveiled on April 9 - what would have been her 173rd birthday - in the historic courtroom at Brecon’s y Gaer.

The life-sized sculpture is part of a community-wide project celebrating the life and legacy of Gwenllian Morgan, who served as a Brecon councillor and then mayor from 1907 to 1911 - years before women had the right to vote.

“An activist locally, nationally and internationally for causes including peace, temperance, votes for women, wider access to education and healthcare, Gwenllian Morgan was also an expert on the poet Henry Vaughan, and co-founder of the Brecknock Society and Museum,” said Elizabeth Jeffreys, who along with fellow Brecon Story Network committee member, Carla Rapoport, helped spearhead the funding and commissioning process for the sculpture.

“Despite her widespread fame 100 years ago, she is barely known today, even here in Brecon,”

“We’re hoping this statue will bring her many accomplishments back into focus,” added Carla Rapoport.

“We couldn’t be prouder to have such an inspiring woman taking her place in y Gaer’s courtroom,” said Jacquie Morgan, Collections Officer, y Gaer.

The sculpture was created by local artist Susan Adams, who won a competition with her design, which includes a young girl on a ladder as well as Gwenllian in her Mayor’s robes.

William Gibbs, Chair of the Brecknock Art Trust, added: “This is a work of singular imagination and superb technique, which combines the strong determined figure of Gwenllian Morgan as mayor with the light and magical figure of the school girl.

“It is carved with extraordinary conviction and skill, the painted combination of youth and experience sings with hope and expectation. This work of art adds immensely to the significance of the courtroom in y Gaer as her presence for the first time finds a place for a woman protagonist among the busts and portraits of Brecon’s leading men.”

Funders of the project included the Ashley Family Foundation, Brecon Beacons Sustainability Fund, Brecon Town Council, Audrey Tyler Trust, Women’s Archive Wales, Brecknock Art Trust, as well as numerous private individuals.

For information about other initiatives aimed at celebrating Gwenllian Morgan’s legacy, please email [email protected]