The Dillwyn family settled in Swansea when William Dillwyn, a Quaker and anti-slavery campaigner emigrated from America to Britain and purchased the Cambrian Pottery which was taken over by his son, the eminent naturalist and MP, Lewis Weston Dillwyn, in 1803. 

Lewis Weston Dillwyn would become the father of John Dillwyn who took on the name of Llewelyn in order to inherit the Penllergare estate from his grandfather.  John Dillwyn Llewelyn was a pioneer of early photography and collaborated with Henry Fox Talbot (a relation by marriage).  He was also an astronomer, a botanist and a Fellow of the Royal Society, making him an important figure in the history of science in Britain.  Amongst his children was Thereza, who kept up the family interest in science and is pictured here using an early microscope.

Lewis Weston Dillwyn's other children included Mary Dillwyn, an important woman photographer and Lewis Llewelyn Dillwyn, Swansea Liberal MP and in later years a supporter of Cymru Fydd.  Lewis Llewelyn Dillwyn's second daughter would become the novelist Amy Dillwyn.

Amy Dillwyn published six novels, the most famous being The Rebecca Rioter (1880) and all being concerned with the position of women in Victorian society.  She was an important figure in the campaign for women's rights in Wales and was president of the Swansea branch of the NUWSS.  Amy Dillwyn was one of the first British female industrialists, running a successful spelter works.

Projects and Events

Events in 2010.  This year is the bicentenary of the birth of John Dillwyn Llewelyn and a full programme of events to mark this anniversary is planned.  You can also download a PDF 2010 Events .

The Dillwyn Collection  (Historical Collections, Swansea University Archives): in February 2010, Swansea University launched digital editions (transcriptions) of the diaries of Lewis Weston Dillwyn (1778–1855) and Lewis Llewelyn Dillwyn (1814-1892). 

Friday, 25th June
Swansea Museum
Evening Lecture hosted by the Learned Society of Wales: Professor Prys Morgan, "On the importance of societies in Wales from 18th century to the present moment."

Dillwyn Symposium: Science, Culture and Society   POSTPONED.
25 June 2010, Swansea Museum
The Dillwyn family made an outstanding contribution to nineteenth century science, politics and culture.  This multi-disciplinary one-day symposium will engage with some of the key areas of activity, ranging from the history of science, through industry to cultural history and literature.  Highlighting the international importance of the Dillwyns’ contributions to science, culture and society, this event will bring together leading experts and researchers in a variety of fields to address an academic and lay audience.  There will be a public lecture in the evening to expand upon the themes of the symposium.  A full programme and registration details to follow.