Cofion, Life of John Ellis Jones

A generous contribution from the Bangor Fund has enabled the book, Cofion, to be published by distinguished photographer Rhodri Jones. The Bangor Fund is made up of donations from Bangor University's generous alumni, and administered by the Development and Alumni Relations Office.

COFION, a book and photographic exhibition in memory of distinguished archaeologist and lecturer, John Ellis Jones, who dedicated his life's work to Bangor University, was launched at Storiel Museum in October 2024. The book includes photographs by renowned photographer, Rhodri Jones, and text by Manon Steffan Ros and Professor Angharad Price of Bangor University’s School of Welsh.

In remembering John Ellis Jones’ work, the book enhances students’ understanding of Bangor University’s rich scholarly and cultural inheritance over the last 50 years and keeps his European legacy alive for future generations. The book embodies an artistic collaboration between writers and artists closely associated with Bangor University, inspiring current students to engage in similar projects. Furthermore, in the text's translation into other languages, the project brings the culture and history of Bangor University to an international audience.

80 people attended the COFION launch, and the accompanying exhibition has since been attended by 300 people from the local community, including students and staff members from Bangor University. It has been featured on Radio Cymru, the journal ‘Barn’, in the local press, as well on the national BBC website ‘Cymru Fyw’.