Sian Phillips presented her personal archive to the National Library in 2019, and during the recent filming of the television program 'Cyfrinachau’r Llyfrgell (Best Kept Secrets), she had the opportunity to take another look through the boxes. She was reminded of significant events and performances, and historical figures that had played an important role in her life. The archive dates back to her youth and includes material related to her early education, her years at University and RADA, and her successful career in the world of theatre and film. She is particularly remembered for her performance as Livia in the BBC television series 'I, Claudius' in 1976, a role for which she won a BAFTA award.
Although she is known professionally as Siân Phillips, her full name is Dame Jane Elizabeth Ailwên Phillips, and there are traces in the archive of her earlier names. I showed her a script from one of the earliest plays she acted in at Rhos Primary School in 1938 when she was only 5 years old. The name of the play was 'Mair a'r wyau' (Mary and the Eggs), and she was known as 'Ailwen' at that time. By 1948, when she was performing in a Christmas concert at the Upper Cwmtwrch Welfare Hall at fifteen years old, her name on the concert programme was 'Jane Phillips, Cwmllynfell, triple National winner.' It seems that Siân Phillips's Welsh teacher, 'Eic' Davies, suggested the Welsh name to her.
I was surprised by her close connection with the playwright and politician Saunders Lewis, as she recalled memories about the man who had a huge influence on her at the beginning of her career. I showed her the programme for the first performance of ‘Gymerwch chi sigaret’ which had been signed by the cast. Saunders Lewis wrote the play for her, and this performance was an important event, with great reviews in the press. Before leaving, Sian Philips presented us with a gift, which was her personal copy of the play 'Blodeuwedd' by Saunders Lewis, 1948, signed by Saunders Lewis, and Éamon de Valera. Another treasure to add to the Sian Phillips archive at the National Library of Wales.
You can watch Cyfrinachau’r Llyfrgell on S4C Clic or BBC iPlayer.
Nia Mai Daniel
Head of Unique Collections