R Brinley Jones 1929–2025

When the Aberystwyth Bibliographical Group met for a symposium on Scholarly Publishing at Plas Tan-y-bwlch in September 2001, the first talk, ‘Recollections of a university publisher’, was given by Dr Brinley Jones. Those who had the immense pleasure of knowing Brinley and working with him will remember how he cherished the memory of his time as Director of the University of Wales Press (1969–76), which formed the substance of his talk to the Group. As Director he launched the very popular and influential series, ‘Writers of Wales’. But that was only one among many important roles he played in his long life, and acted as chairman of many committees and public bodies. The very large crowd which assembled for his funeral reflected not only the range and variety of his acquaintance and his great capacity for friendship, but also the depth of his public service in many fields.

Born in Pen-y-graig, Rhondda on 27 February 1929, Brinley remained proud of his Rhondda associations. Having graduated in Welsh from Cardiff, he won a scholarship to Jesus College, Oxford and was awarded a D. Phil for a thesis on Welsh literature of the Renaissance: he would later write engagingly about Welshmen in Oxford, among them the first Bodley’s Librarian, the Welshman Thomas James. Having taught at Penarth Grammar School for a short time, Brinley was appointed a lecturer at what was then the University College of Swansea. From there moved to the University of Wales Registry and thence to be Director of the University of Wales Press. There followed a spell as a much-respected Warden of Llandovery College, from which he retired in 1988. Official retirement was not for him, however: in 1996 he became President of the National Library of Wales, an honour of which he was immensely proud, and a role which he enjoyed to the full, acting as an ambassador for the institution and presiding over significant developments in buildings and services. He was particularly pleased that when his second term as President came to an end in 2006, the Welsh Government agreed to extend the appointment for an additional year, so that he could preside over the Library’s centenary celebrations in 2007. Having relinquished his role at the Library, he then undertook the Presidency of University of Wales Lampeter, later the University of Wales Trinity Saint David. It was fitting that it was there that his funeral took place, with the eulogy memorably delivered by Dr Medwin Hughes.  

Remaining active almost until his death on 3 August 2025, Brinley continued to write and to publish, issuing several books under his own imprint, Drovers Press. He readily agreed to contribute to the Group’s publication, Blodeuglwm, in honour of Lionel Madden, with whom he had worked in the National Library.

Though the list of honours to his name was long, what marked out Brinley above all was his capacity for friendship. His former pupils at Llandovery were struck by his remembering not only them but their families, years after they had left the College. Likewise, he made a point of getting to know staff members at the National Library by name, a kindness which was much valued. Few presidents could have commanded a standing ovation from the staff as he did when he retired from the Presidency.

We extend our sympathy to his widow Stephanie, their son Rhys and all the family.

Rhidian Griffiths