Rhondda Cynon Taf Mayor, Councillor Wendy Treeby, has officially opened the ‘Last Voices of the Rhondda’ exhibition at the Council’s award-winning A Welsh Coal Mining Experience at Rhondda Heritage Park.
The Last Voices of the Rhondda is a mixed-media, audio-visual exhibition where local school children have created their own interpretation of portraits after listening to the fascinating stories and experiences of the former coal miners.
Councillor Wendy Treeby, Mayor of Rhondda Cynon Taf, said: “The communities of Rhondda Cynon Taf were built around the once world-famous coal mines. Although now all gone, it is important that we remember our industrial past and teach our future generations of what life was like in this area at the time, in particular the working conditions underground.
“A Welsh Coal Mining Experience tells the story of the coal industry, told by those who knew it the best – retired coal miners themselves.
“The Last Voices of the Rhondda is a fascinating exhibition and full credit must go to all who have been involved in the project, especially the young learners who have created some fascinating designs.”
The Last Voices of the Rhondda exhibition is led by Vision Foundation, which received funding to deliver the project in collaboration with the Rhondda Cynon Taf Council, The Oral History Society, The National Lottery and The Arts Council for Wales.
Among those who attended the official opening of the Last Voices of the Rhondda exhibition were the former coal miners and members of the local community who were involved in the project.
Among those who have supported the project are the Council’s Heritage Service staff Darren Macy, Kath Lewis and Esta Lewis, along with teaching staff at Hafod, Maerdy and Parc primary schools in Rhondda.
The Last Voices of the Rhondda project and exhibition combines oral histories with 3D portraits using 3D technology via 3D portraiture after listening to the tales of the local miners about their time working underground. The retired miners inspired the young learners to create their multi-media portraits based on their research.
Richard Jones, creative director at Vision Foundation, said: “The level of engagement from the local school children throughout the project, along with the level of engagement of the retired miners from the local community, has resulted in outstanding finished mixed-media works that form the centrepiece of the project.”
The Last Voices of the Rhondda exhibition is open at A Welsh Coal Mining Experience until May 23. To find out more about the exhibition and so much more on offer at the visitor attraction, visit their website today and book your Black Gold Experience Underground Guided Tour www.rhonddaheritagepark.com
Posted on 25/03/2022