A true polymath - academic, writer, sculptor, poet and priest, born in Port Talbot, Glamorgan, his full name was William Moelwyn Merchant. He graduated in English and history at University College in Cardiff and began teaching at Carmarthen Grammar School in 1935. He held a series of academic posts, including professor of English at University of Exeter, 1961–74. He was ordained to Anglican Orders, 1940. Author of a number of books, including Wordsworth’s Guide to the Lakes, illustrated by John Piper, 1952; Breaking the Code, poems, 1975; a novel, Fire from the Heights, 1989; and Fragments of a Life, his autobiography, 1990. His career as a sculptor began in 1964, influenced by his close friend Barbara Hepworth - 'When Barbara Hepworth with a single challenge - "Let's see if you have hands" - had enabled me to break out of my obsession with words, sculpture became a third vocation as natural and inevitable as the first two, of priest and academic.' Merchant also collaborated with other artists including John Piper. Merchant’s sculptures were often erect, their subjects ranging from the human to natural forms and symbolic images.
Merchant had several dozen solo shows, in Exeter, Cardiff, Swansea, Plymouth, London and elsewhere from 1971. He was included in the Welsh Sculpture Trust’s 1983 Sculpture in a Country Park, at Margam Park. In later years Merchant was closely involved with Eton College, which holds his manuscripts and correspondence. Lived in Leamington Spa, Warwickshire.