Stunning Mural Brings Welsh Mining History to Life
A remarkable mural paying tribute to the mining heritage of the Rhondda Valley has emerged on a building in Maerdy, Rhondda Cynon Taf. The mural, commissioned by family business Electrocall, adorns the building’s wall on Station Road. It portrays a miner against the backdrop of the iconic Rhondda landscape, complete with a pithead in the distance. This mural serves as a commemoration of Maerdy Colliery, the last mine to close in the Rhondda region in 1990.
– The mural was commissioned by Electrocall to brighten up the area and honor the mining community’s history.
– Located near the former Maerdy Colliery site, the mural stands as a tribute to the 81 men and boys who perished in a 1985 explosion.
– Electrocall, a family-run business, collaborated with Fresh Creative Co to complete the mural in just over a week.
Christopher Matthews, a member of the family that owns Electrocall, expressed that the decision to depict mining history was an easy one. “We are a mining community. If you had to put anything up about us, it would have to be about the mines,” he highlighted. The mural not only serves as a reminder of the community’s past but also lights up at night, adding to its visual impact.
– The mural’s captivating design includes a miner’s helmet that illuminates in the darkness, further enhancing its significance.
– Positioned strategically in the heart of the village, the mural is visible to all passing through Maerdy and on their way to Aberdare.
The warm reception from the local community has been overwhelming for the Matthews family. Christopher shared, “It’s gained a lot of interest that we never thought would happen.” The mural has sparked nostalgia among residents, with one person commenting, “My grandfathers would have loved this, it’s amazing.”
– The mural has sparked nostalgia among residents, with many expressing their admiration for the artwork and its historical significance.
– Residents have praised the mural for reviving the community’s history and paying tribute to the miners who shaped the region.
The mural not only adds vibrancy to Maerdy but also preserves the memory of the area’s mining legacy for future generations to appreciate.