AN "OUTSTANDING" museum director said to be the driving force behind Anglesey's largest art gallery has died last week.

Denise Morris, who was the inaugural curator of Oriel Ynys Môn, died aged 67 at her home in Paradwys, Bodorgan, having battled illness for quite some time.

Brought up in Denbigshire, Denise graduated from UCNW Bangor with a degree in medieval history in 1971.

In 1985, Denise was appointed by Anglesey Council to curate the Charles Tunnicliffe collection and tasked with developing a museum service for the island.

Oriel Ynys Môn was eventually opened by the Queen in October 1991. By that time, Denise had amassed considerable collections of historical and artistic material to help tell the island’s story.

In its first year, the gallery was named ‘Museum of the Year’ by the Museums Association and gained several other major accolades including Wales Tourist Board and National Heritage awards.

Reminiscing some of the fond memories he shared with Denise, artist and sculptor David Petersen said: "Quite simply, Denise was the very best curator I ever had the pleasure of working with and I’ve worked with hundreds over the years.

"She completely understood art and artists and I often tell people about her being an outstanding organiser of exhibitions.

"I was so blessed to have worked with her whilst she was at Oriel Ynys Mon. How I wished there were others of her ability running galleries throughout Wales and further afield. The art world has lost an exceptional individual."

In October 1997, Denise resigned her post following conflict with senior officers in the Council whom she felt were undermining her integrity and that of the Oriel.

During this time, she received immense support from artists and historians she had worked with over the years, notably Sir Kyffin Williams, who was her staunchest ally and close friend.

It was largely down to this solid friendship that Kyffin had donated more than four hundred works of art to the gallery.

Denise's funeral was held at Eglwys Sant Cristiolus on Tuesday. She is survived by her husband of 27 years, Meredydd Morris.