Strange how information on public objects can disappear into the ether. I have been trying to learn the history of the sandstone miners' monument sited at Six Bells. Not Guardian, but its predecessor, erected to commemorate the disaster on 28 June 1960 when 45 miners were killed in an explosion in'W' District. It is sited close to the Six Bells Colliery site, but not actually on it as the site had not been cleared.
Below I have included a few images of the engravings on the memorial. They are disappearing due to erosion and, lichen, moss, etc. Do you know any of these faces? Can you put a name to them? If so, please add a comment to this blog, or call in to Ty Ebbw Fach, Six Bells and let them know, before the information is completely lost to the community. There are twenty-eight in all which need identifying.
Prior to the Guardian project, in the late 1990's CADW was invited to check on this monument to see if it could be restored as erosion had taken its toll. Unfortunately ground water and weathering meant it could not be saved. It was this conclusion that started discussions on a suitable replacement memorial.
The outline of the miner's lamp and the pit wheel are already heavily pitted and damaged.
On the side walls the artist has carved portraits of local people. I recently met a man walking his dog and he pointed out his portrait - a really excellent likeness. This started me wondering about the rest of the faces, who they are - and more about the piece itself.
I will add to this article if I discover more, but these are the details so far.
It was erected by Blaenau Gwent Borough Council, probably around 1986/7. Two gentlemen played a major part, Paddy Burn and Jim Watkins, I believe both their portraits are carved here.
The scheme was delivered by a Cardiff based artist by the name of Cassidy (not sure of his first name) He wandered the streets of 6 Bells sketching people that he met and designed them into the monument. (Some say he photographed people who passed the monument as he worked.
There was an on going consultation process that lead to the final design and I think a time capsule was buried somewhere within the monument that captures all the background.
Below I have included a few images of the engravings on the memorial. They are disappearing due to erosion and, lichen, moss, etc. Do you know any of these faces? Can you put a name to them? If so, please add a comment to this blog, or call in to Ty Ebbw Fach, Six Bells and let them know, before the information is completely lost to the community. There are twenty-eight in all which need identifying.
Prior to the Guardian project, in the late 1990's CADW was invited to check on this monument to see if it could be restored as erosion had taken its toll. Unfortunately ground water and weathering meant it could not be saved. It was this conclusion that started discussions on a suitable replacement memorial.
The outline of the miner's lamp and the pit wheel are already heavily pitted and damaged.
On the side walls the artist has carved portraits of local people. I recently met a man walking his dog and he pointed out his portrait - a really excellent likeness. This started me wondering about the rest of the faces, who they are - and more about the piece itself.
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| Showing the hillside position. |
I will add to this article if I discover more, but these are the details so far.
It was erected by Blaenau Gwent Borough Council, probably around 1986/7. Two gentlemen played a major part, Paddy Burn and Jim Watkins, I believe both their portraits are carved here.
The scheme was delivered by a Cardiff based artist by the name of Cassidy (not sure of his first name) He wandered the streets of 6 Bells sketching people that he met and designed them into the monument. (Some say he photographed people who passed the monument as he worked.
There was an on going consultation process that lead to the final design and I think a time capsule was buried somewhere within the monument that captures all the background.
The Community Council leased the monument and took over its maintenance for the 30th and 40th anniversaries, but it has since reverted back to the Borough Council.
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| Sandstone memorial with Guardian visible on the colliery site |
Apparently large laminated copies of the faces used on the monument and others were handed to Abertillery Museum by the sculptor, but no names were attached.
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