Fishguard’s Theatr Gwaun is marking what would be the 90th birthday of acting legend Richard Burton today (Tuesday) by unveiling a portrait of him painted by artist Dave Miles.

The English artist, known as Smile, has been a Richard Burton fan for years and got to know the actor’s family during his time as President of The Richard Burton Appreciation Society.

He has been great friends with Graham Jenkins, Richard's younger brother, for many years.

“It will be Richard’s 90th Birthday on November 10,” said David. “To mark that I decided to paint a portrait of Richard. It's for his memory, the family and for me personally. I put a lot of effort and love into this portrait. It speaks for itself.

The portrait is of Richard in Character as the 1st Man from the film Under Milk Wood and David has gifted it to Theatr Gwaun.

“I love that theatre,” said David who is based in Scotland. “I’m really chuffed that it is running successfully. It’s a lovely building and it’s lovely that it is working really well, so many have been pulled down.

“I’m sure it’s one that Richard would have visited had he been alive.”

“It is also quite fitting, as scenes from Under Milk Wood were filmed nearby to the theatre.”

Theatr Gwaun’s Paul Williams said that the venue was delighted with the painting.

“We were contacted by David out of the blue,” he said. “We are really pleased to accept the painting and have it on the wall.

“It celebrates the connection between Fishguard and Under Milk Wood. It is highly possible that Richard Burton may have come to Theatr Gwaun at some point; we have been told that the cinema was used to view rushes of the film.

“The painting is going to have a nice position in the bar are and we are really happy to have it here.”