John Parry Ddall

John Parry, known as "Parry Ddall, Rhiwabon" (or "Blind Parry of Ruabon") was born in about 1710 on the Llŷn Peninsula, Caernarfonshire in Wales, and was blind from birth.

His first patrons were the Griffiths family, of the Cefn Amwlch estate at Bryn Cynan on Pen Llŷn, who provided the young Parry with a Welsh triple harp. He later became harpist to Sir Watkin Williams-Wynn at Wynnstay, Ruabon and became a master of the High Baroque. He lived on the Wynnstay estate but spent much of his time at the Williams-Wynn's London home where he performed on the Welsh triple harp for London's cultural elite. Parry became a member of the Royal Society of Musicians in 1763.

He inspired Thomas Gray to write his 1757 poem, "The Bard". ["The Invention of Tradition", Prys Morgan]

Parry remained with the Williams-Wynne family until his death in 1782. He was buried at Ruabon Parish Church on 10 October, 1782.

John Parry's son, William Parry (1752-1791), was an accomplished artist. Many of his works, including portraits of his father, are held at the [http://www.museumwales.ac.uk/en/art/online/?action=show_works&item=593&type=artist National Museum] .

Bibliography

"John Parry (1710?-82): Y Telynor Dall - The Blind Harper" - by Huw Williams (Published by Clwyd County Council 1982)

References