Two Hyacinth Bulbs (1966, The Whitworth), is by Eliot Hodgkin (1905-87) who, as here, often worked in tempera, and painted many exquisite botanical studies and seasonal still lifes, including quinces and October flowers.

Megan Lloyd George (1902-66) was the daughter of David Lloyd George, the only Welshman to date to become prime minister. She spent part of her early life in 10 and 11 Downing Street and, perhaps unsurprisingly, later became the first female Welsh MP to represent a Welsh constituency. She was elected in 1929 as Liberal MP for Anglesey, a seat she held until 1951. She then joined the Labour party and was MP for Carmarthen 1955 until her death. In addition, she was an inspirational speaker and broadcaster, and an influential supporter of women's rights and Welsh causes. 

Women's historical contributions to traditional Welsh industries are now gradually being acknowledged. For example, in the production of textiles they quilted exquisite bed covers for prosperous customers and high-end hotels such as Claridges, and supplied a large part of the workforce in the many woollen mills (also as outworkers). The National Wool Museum provides an excellent overview of the once-vast industry which supplied global markets with woollen flannel fabric and blankets, and academics Deborah McGuire and Dr Jess Bailey of Within The Frame are working to save the now critically endangered craft of hand-quilting in a flat frame.

Over the last fifty years, Jen Jones has done more than anyone to research, collect, preserve, and rekindle interest in Welsh quilt heritage. Since arriving in Wales from New England in 1971 she has been buying and selling all types of quilts including wholecloth and patchwork. In 2010 she founded the Welsh Quilt Centre in the former town hall in Lampeter "to celebrate and promote a wider understanding of the Welsh Quilt" with an annual exhibition running from March to November. (Photo from the recent Toast profile.)

A few days spent near Camarthen has inspired a week of Welsh posts looking at women who have contributed to the history and culture of south and west Wales, starting with Lady Margaret Rhondda (1883-1958) (seen here in a 1931 portrait by Alice Mary Burton) who used her money, position, and influence to campaign for women's rights and social reform. In 1920 she founded Time and Tide,and was an important early supporter of Winifred Holtby who became a director of the feminist weekly.