Sir Watkin The Patron
Sir Watkin Williams Wynn The Patron
In 1749 Sir Watkin inherited his father's vast Wynnstay estate when he was only five months old. His expensive tastes, however, were all his own, and started when he went on the Grand Tour1 in 1768.
He spent nine months in France and Italy: visiting the theatre and the opera house, sight seeing, taking lessons in music and dance, moving in high society, and collecting and commissioning art. The result was a love of the arts and very expensive tastes.
Sir Watkin, Thomas Apperley and Captain Hamilton, Rome, Pompeo Battoni, 1768-73.
© Amgueddfa Cymru - National Museum Wales
In 1770 Sir Watkin signalled how he wished to live by celebrating his 21st birthday in style. A ship sailed round the coast from London to Chester to bring the choicest food and drink required for the feast laid on for 15,000 people in Wynnstay Park.
Sir Watkin was well known in London, where he lived in a most extravagant town house designed and built for him by the famous architects, Robert & James Adam. He commissioned portraits from Sir Joshua Reynolds and landscape paintings from Richard Wilson. He loved the theatre and was friends with the actor, David Garrick, and the playwright, Richard Sheridan.
Sir Watkin did not forget his Welsh roots. He employed a harpist and joined the Cymmrodorion Society2. He was also a generous man. He supported Thomas Coram's Foundling Hospital in London and funded the provision of a doctor and smallpox inoculations for the poor of Ruabon and Wrexham.
Despite being probably the wealthiest man in Wales, Sir Watkin lived beyond his means. He died aged only 40 in 1789, leaving £160,000 in debts.
1 The Grand Tour was the 18th century 'gap year' when young gentlemen would tour Europe and learn all about art and culture.
2 The Honourable Society of the Cymmrodorion was founded in 1751. The society's aim was to increase interest in Welsh history, language and literature.
Sir Watkin Williams Wynn, The Patron
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