Moses Griffith was a Welsh draughtsman, engraver, and watercolorist who became known primarily for his work associated with the Welsh naturalist, Thomas Pennant. Born on April 6, 1747, in Trygain House in the parish of Bryncroes on the Llŷn Peninsula in Caernarfonshire (now Gwynedd), Wales, Griffith showed an early talent for drawing.
His employer, Thomas Pennant, recognized Griffith’s abilities and took him on as a draughtsman for his tours around Wales and Scotland, which were later published in Pennant’s Tours. Griffith’s work involved illustrating landscapes, buildings, and antiquities, and he was particularly noted for his ability to depict the character and detail of the subjects he drew.
Throughout his career, Moses Griffith also contributed to other works of Pennant, such as the 'British Zoology' and 'History of Quadrupeds'. His work for Pennant spanned several decades, and it was during this time that he developed his skills in watercolors, which allowed him to produce vibrant landscapes and scenes of Welsh and Scottish life.
Griffith never gained the same level of fame as some of his contemporaries, but his work is valued for its historical significance and the insight it provides into the landscape and culture of 18th-century Britain. His drawings and watercolors are considered important records of the time, and they reflect a combination of both artistic skill and documentary precision.
Moses Griffith died on November 14, 1819, in Bryncroes. Although he is not widely known today outside specialist circles, his work remains a valuable resource for historians and art lovers interested in the period and is held in various collections, including that of the National Library of Wales.
