St Helen’s ArchivePreserving the past for the future

OT120

Painting

CIC

Capt. Joseph C Higman

C1912

Pen & Ink drawing of Bryn Lewis Dimensions: w13.5" x h28" (w34.4cm x h71cm)

This is a water coloured drawing of Swansea and Wales wing Brinley Richard 'Bryn' Lewis. He was a Pontardawe man who had played for that club before joining Swansea. Spotted as a schoolboy protégé, Lewis quickly found his way to the Swansea first fifteen in January 1909. His time was divided between studies at Cambridge University and playing for Swansea and this image represents him in the colours of the Cambridge University Rugby Team. Lewis was capped twice (1912-13) by Wales before the First World War, where he served as a major with the Royal Field Artillery. He was killed whilst serving on 2nd April 1917 at Ypres, Belgium. the letter accompanying the gift of this image to Swansea RFC, was written by Captain Joseph Higman, who it is believed, served with Bryn in the war. The letter is dated 28th January 1952 and addressed to then Swansea RFC Hon. Secretary Cliff Prosser.

Bryn Lewis, Painting