Monday 20 August 2012

Pontypool Museum, South Wales

Cross over Pontypool Town Bridge and turn right through the park gates and you will find Ice Houses on your left (see my blog of March 2012), and the old stable block on your right, which has now been renovated to contain Pontypool Museum.

As well as the obligatory large mangel, fireplace overmantle and treadle sewing machine, there are several interesting displays which make it well worth a visit.  

The coffee shop often holds exhibitions of work from local artists, and until 31 August you can see water colours and pen & inks by Mary Challenger, a close observer of local landscape and people.  In this display she shows her enjoyment of studying other observers as they take in other works of art.

Pontypool was famous for Japanware, a highly decorated, laquered tinplate.   Often coloured foils were included in the layers of laquer to immitate gold produce delicate patterns.   Later, as the company split, Usk became known for its paper mache version of Japanware.   The museum according to its literature, holds the National collection of such wares, consisting of  teapots, occasional tables, trays, nut crackers, etc.

Do you own an antique clock?   Check out whether it is a 'Charles Vaughan.'   There are only fifty known at present - could yours make it fifty-one?   The museum hold a few examples on display, and W Linnard has written a limited edition book on the subject, available at the museum.  

Around the walls of a small conference room hang photographs of British Nylon Spinners (BNS).
Situated in Mamhilad because of the pure, clean air, this large factory was taken over by ICI in the 1960s and later du Pont.   It finally closed its doors on 31 July 2012.

Until 29 September 2012 there is a large display of Pontypool Rugby Football Club memorabilia.   The exhibition consists of photographs, trophies, jerseys, caps and flags collected over many years.

Budding musicians of all ages can try their hand at various instruments, or just enjoy the international display as well as details of Leo Abse.

A wide variety of books on local history and events, as well as bric-a-brac are available for purchase at this accredited & award winning museum.   The Torfaen Museum Trust is a registered charity and is always looking to increase its membership.

Opening hours:   Tuesday to Friday 10am-5pm,  Saturday & Sunday 2pm-5pm
There is a small admission fee, but entry is free to Torfaen Library cardholders.

Amgueddfa Pontypool Museum is searching for the history of the buildings in Pontypool and the surrounding area.   A database of information is to be accumulated from scanned images of documents collected from the public.   Documents, artefacts and photographs can be taken to the museum for inclusion in this project.     For more info. Tel Mary or Peter 01495 752036 or e-mail ptcp@live.co.uk.

The Folly Tower, Pontypool (see my blog March 2012).
Pontypool Ice Houses (see my blog March 2012).
www.pontypoolmuseum.org.uk
Charles Vaughan of Pontypool published by Tathan Books, PO Box 6044, Radyr, Cardiff CF15 8YS



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