EXPLORING THE SOUL OF THE VALLEYS: A JOURNEY OF HISTORY

The exhibition "The Valleys" celebrates the profound impact of the South Wales Valleys on artists from around the world since the 18th century. From Ammanford to Pontypool, the exhibition features over 200 artworks, including paintings, photography, film, and applied art, revealing the transformative influence of iron and coal on the lives and landscapes of the Valleys. Highlighting the stories of the people who lived and worked there, the exhibition showcases the vital contribution of these communities to the modern world.

Lucy our Digital Content Marketer headed to this exhibition to learn more about it. She explored the works of over 60 artists, including Tina Carr, Annemarie Schöne, Robert Frank, Josef Herman, and Ernest Zobole, as well as collier artists and makers like Nicholas Evans, Harry Rodgers, and Illtyd David. The exhibition includes several previously undisplayed works and new photography acquisitions made possible by the generous support of the Art Fund.

Join Lucy as she delves into this remarkable visual tradition and uncovers the unique and internationally significant representation of the working-class experience in the Valleys.

   "I recently spent the day in Cardiff and was fortunate enough to visit an inspiring exhibition hosted at the National Museum Cardiff. The exhibition, "The Valleys", was a profound exploration of the South Wales Valleys, showcasing visual representations from the 18th century onwards. It was incredible to see firsthand the works of coal miners who found creativity to be an outlet, a way to tell their stories and document their lives.

One piece that particularly struck me was a miner's portrait painted in oil. Though it was a 2D work, the facial expressions, textures, and clothing conveyed a powerful narrative. It told the story of a man who spent his life supporting his family and community and of the many miners who lost their lives to the trade. Coal miners were iconic symbols of the South Wales Valleys, and this exhibition beautifully captured their essence.

There is an often-overlooked history of miners making art in the south Wales Valleys. Some attended local art classes, while others were self-taught, using inexpensive, everyday materials to find freedom in representing their everyday lives. This art became a form of escapism, a way to break free from the harsh realities of their daily grind. Harry Rodgers, for instance, collected archives of his time as a coal miner, creating models that represented a valuable record of the coal industry but were also beautiful works of art.

Being a creative from South Wales, I've always loved to support local exhibitions and artists' work. This exhibition was significant to me as it highlighted the lives and stories of individuals from post-industrial towns. In 2003, the last collieries closed, taking with them the towns' primary purpose. However, working alongside a community striving to bring new industries to our towns is incredibly inspiring. Like many people in Wales, our founder Scott, great grandfather was a miner. At Coaltown, we wanted the town to produce once again, symbolising change, hope, and growth.

Our communities tell an important story—a story of resilience, transformation, and pride. I’m proud to be part of this narrative and to see our community thrive today. We should embrace and celebrate where we came from, honouring the rich history and the incredible journey of those who came before us. The exhibition "The Valleys" is a beautiful reminder of our heritage and an inspiring look at how art can capture the spirit of a place and its people. It’s a story that continues to unfold, and I’m excited to see where it leads us next."

Thank you to Lucy for taking a look at this exhibition. The Valleys exhibition opened on the 25th of May at the National Museum Cardiff and will run until the 3rd of November 2024. Don't miss your chance to explore this captivating showcase of the South Wales Valleys.