John Elwyn was born in south Cardiganshire and rural Wales, particularly the countryside around Newcastle Emlyn, was a lasting inspiration on him during a career as teacher in England. Bore Sul (Sunday morning) was one of two 'chapel' paintings of 1950, depicting people in their Sunday-best and dark suits going to or from Chapel. They were both shown in the National Eisteddfod of that year. Elwyn was one of a number of painters of the 1950s whose work was felt to be both accessible and distinctively Welsh. Bore Sul was one of several works purchased by the Contemporary Art Society for Wales.