A striking bust of renowned Welsh poet and pacifist Waldo Williams, created by sculptor John Meiron Morris, is on temporary loan from Cymdeithas Waldo and currently on display in the Gallery at Glan-yr-Afon (Haverfordwest Library).

Born in Haverfordwest in 1904, Waldo Williams spent his later boyhood in the Preseli hills, where he learned Welsh – the language that became the medium for his most profound thoughts. Although he published just one volume of poetry, Dail Pren (Tree Leaves), he is celebrated as one of the most influential Welsh-language poets of the 20th century.

A committed pacifist and Quaker, Waldo was twice imprisoned by Haverfordwest Magistrates. He never owned a car, preferring to cycle the lanes of Pembrokeshire, and was known both for his visionary ideals and his playful, good-humoured nature. In later life he returned to Haverfordwest, where he died on Ascension Day 1971.

The sculpture will be on display until October 11 *Please note: the sculpture will be unavailable for view for a few days from September 25 as it goes on display in Aberystwyth University for the annual Cymdeithas Waldo Lecture.

Visitors can also enjoy the current exhibition CYFOES: Celf Cymru Heddiw · Contemporary Welsh Art, showcasing a vibrant range of works from the National Art Collection, including paintings, sculpture, and mixed media pieces by both established and emerging artists – with the majority being works by female artists.

Highlights include Dannedd Dodi by Anya Paintsil, Y Fari Lwyd by Dr Adéọlá Dewis, Blodeuwedd by Natalia Dias, and Moelni Maith by Lisa Eurgain Taylor.

Running alongside CYFOES is the permanent exhibition Pembrokeshire: Past and Present, which explores the history, culture, and landscape of the county. This includes a photograph, taken by Julian Sheppard, of Waldo Williams with pupils at Goodwick Primary School in the late 1960s.

Both exhibitions, along with the Waldo Williams sculpture, continue until Saturday, October 11.

On Tuesday, September 30, at 5.30pm, a new interpretive plaque will be unveiled at Pembrokeshire Archives in Prendergast, commemorating Waldo’s connection to his hometown and his early years at Prendergast School.