Claudia, known for her vibrant and intimate depictions of family life, was a cherished member of our gallery and a valued figure in the Welsh art community. Born in England and later moving to Gwynedd, Wales, Claudia Williams had a profound impact on the art world with her joyous, colourful, and optimistic paintings. Her work often captured the essence of seaside outings and familial bonds, reflecting her fascination with observing people. Claudia's artistic journey led her to the Chelsea School of Art in London, after which she returned to Wales and met her future husband, fellow artist Gwilym Prichard.

Gwilym Prichard, who predeceased her himself was a significant figure in the Royal Cambrian Academy, became an associate member in 1959 and a full member in 1962. After resigning in 1984, he was reinstated in 2006. Encouraged into a career in art by local painters Kyffin Williams and Charles Tunnicliffe

It was Claudia who provided Gwilym with the greatest motivation, as he fell in love with her and was inspired by her achievements.The couple's life together was a testament to their shared passion for art. Gwilym studied art at Bangor College and later at Birmingham, while Claudia won a prize to attend Chelsea Art School. In 1954, Gwilym took up a teaching position at Llangefni County Secondary School, where he and Claudia settled in Beaumaris, raising their family.

Claudia's legacy includes a retrospective at the National Library of Wales in Aberystwyth in 2000 and an exhibition of her paintings of Tryweryn in 2010. In 1995, she was awarded the silver medal by the Academy of Arts, Sciences and Letters in Paris, recognizing her contributions to the arts in France.Her biographer, Prof. Robert Meyrick, praised Claudia's work, stating that her paintings have inspired generations of younger Welsh painters, especially proving that a woman artist could achieve success in Wales. His co-author, Harry Heuser, noted that her compositions, though often abstracted, were deeply rooted in real observations of people.Claudia Williams's enduring passion for painting continued throughout her life, as she once remarked, "I can't see a day in the future when I don't paint."

The Royal Cambrian Academy of Art honours Claudia Williams's memory and contributions to the art world, extending our heartfelt condolences to her family, friends, and all who were touched by her remarkable talent.