Posted on 02/08/2020 by Thom
Nansi Richards Jones, born 14th May 1888 and lived until 21st December 1979, was a decorated Welsh harpist, sometimes known as the "Queen of the Harp" or by her bardic name 'Telynores Maldwyn', given to her for her participation and success in the National Eisteddfods. Born in Pen-y-bont-fawr, Montgomeryshire, she was a staunch advocate of Wales as she travelled the world and made her final home near Porthmadog with her husband, Cecil.
She won the Eisteddfod harp competition three times in succession and it is widely regarded that played a crucial role in the revival of the triple harp and the popularity of traditional Welsh music in the 20th century overall, according to St. Fagans National Museum of History.
After studying at the Guildhall School of Music, she toured with America, where it was here she made maybe her most legendary of contributions.
Kellogg's cockerel
On one of her many overseas trips, she was acquainted with and visited the home of William Kellog, the creator of Cornflakes, who was struggling for an idea to market the new product. It was said to be here that Richards suggested the cockerel (who was later named Cornelius Rooster), should be used, as to her the name Kellog inspired images of the farmyard animal, as Kellog sounded like the Welsh word "ceiliog", meaning "cockerel".
In thanks to Richard's for her contribution, William Kellog even coloured the Cockerel in the colours of the Welsh flag.
(Go on, we'll give you time to check...)
So the next time you're having a nice big bowl of cornflakes for your breakfast, remember Nansi with affection...