Actor and Artist Honoured by University

by Paul Carey
Picture by Nick Treharne

Source: The Western Mail (Wales), 17th July 2001

ACTOR Philip Madoc and artist Sir Kyffin Williams have been honoured by the University of Glamorgan.

Sir Kyffin, the most distinguished Welsh Painter, received an honorary doctorate, while Madoc, one of Wales leading actors who originally trained as an interpreter before beginning his illustrious stage and screen career, was awarded an honorary degree.

Astronomer Sir Patrick Moore and Paralympic athlete Tanni Grey-Thompson were also among the stars receiving honorary degrees yesterday.

Glamorgan also recognised the achievements of those based closer to the Pontypridd institution. John Hughes founder of the world of Groggs, which is just a short walk from the University, received the chancellors medallion recognition of his contribution to Welsh life.

The shop is renowned throughout the world for its range of figurines depicting sporting heroes, film stars and humorous animals, among others. The University of Glamorgan also has its own Grogg.

A posthumous award was made to Rhondda artist Ernest Zobole, who died last year. The university has a collection of Zobole's paintings which it is currently cataloguing and hopes to put on display to the public.

Zobole was hugely admired by his peers, recognised for his extraordinary integrity, directness and intensity of vision. He painted the Rhondda Valley for 60 years, reconstructing a universe of form and colour from his house.

Others to receive awards from Glamorgan included former Welsh Secretary, Nicholas Edwards, now Lord Crickhowell; Professor Charles Stirton, Director of the National Botanical Garden of Wales, retiring Vice Chancellor of the Welsh College, of medicine, Professor Ian Cameron; and Scientist and entrepreneur Janet Wademan.

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