Alun Talfan Davies

Sir Alun Talfan Davies (July 22 1913-November 11 2000) was a Welsh lawyer, writer and publisher, the brother of Aneirin Talfan Davies.

He was born at Gorseinon near Swansea, brought up a Presbyterian, and educated at Gowerton grammar school. He read Law at the University of Wales, Aberystwyth, and at Gonville and Caius College, Cambridge. He entered Gray's Inn and qualified as a barrister just before the outbreak of World War II.

During the 1930s, Davies had been a member of Plaid Cymru, but he left the party for the Liberals. In 1940, with his brother, he founded the publishing firm Llyfrau'r Dryw (later taken over by Sir Alun's son, Christopher Davies). He also founded the periodical "Barn" and wrote many books and articles. In 1942, he married Eiluned Christopher Williams.

Davies stood four times for Parliament. He was an Independent candidate at the by-election held in January 1943 for the University of Wales seat. At the 1959 general election he stood against Lady Megan Lloyd George in Carmarthen for the Liberals and again in 1964. In 1966 he switched to Denbigh but was once more unsuccessful.

In 1967 he was appointed Chairman of the Trustees of the Aberfan Fund. Among other notable positions he held were the vice-chairmanship of the HTV Group, the presidency of the Court of the National Eisteddfod, and the chairmanship of the Bank of Wales. He was knighted in 1976.

He died at his home in Penarth.

References

[http://www.findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_qn4158/is_20001113/ai_n14345505 Obituary]