TRIBUTES have been paid to one of Wales' most important sculptors who died over the weekend.

John Meirion Morris, from Llanwuchllyn near Bala, died aged 84.

He was best known for creating several busts which have helped immortalize some of Wales' most prominent cultural figures, including Saunders Lewis, Waldo and Ray Gravell.

Mr Morris also designed a bronze monument to commemorate the drowning of the village of Tryweryn. He had hoped to install it on the shores of Llyn Celyn, but due to funding problems, that dream was not realised.

Born and raised in Llanuwchllyn, Mr Morris went on to study at Liverpool College of Art from 1956 to 1960.

He later worked as an art teacher in Llanidloes, before lecturing at Leamington Spa, Kumasi University in Ghana and also Liverpool, Aberystwyth and Bangor Universities before retiring in the 1990's.

In 2001, Mr Morris received the Glyndwr Award for his outstanding contribution to the arts in Wales.

He leaves behind a wife, Gwawr, their daughter, Iola and their son, Alwyn. The 'Pieta' sculpture he created commemorates another son, Dylan, who died of a brain tumor in 2002.

Paying tribute to him this week, Cynwyd and Llandrillo Councillor Mabon ap Gwynfor said: "Saddened to hear of the passing of John Meirion Morris at the end of last week.

Penllyn and Wales have lost a true champion. But his family have lost a dear and loving man. My thoughts are with them all at this difficult time. He was a noted artists, sculptor, and academic, who contributed greatly not only to Wales' artistic culture but also to our understanding of our artistic heritage. Our thanks to him is immense."

Legendary Welsh singer Dafydd Iwan added: "A fond remembrance of one of Wales' true national artists - John Meirion Jones.

"The obvious way to remember and celebrate his work would be to erect the statue he created to commemorate Tryweryn, and to show the world that Wales is rising as a bird of hope from the waters of the lake. My Kind regards to Gwawr, Iola and Alwyn."

A spokesperson for the Eisteddfod added: "So sad to hear about the death of one of our leading sculptors, John Meirion Morris, today - the man responsible for many of our most iconic sculptures in Wales.

"Sending our deepest sympathies to the family. His life's work will continue to inspire us all for many years to come."