Coal Miner - Relief Sculpture - Bargoed, Wales.
N 51° 41.332 W 003° 13.739
30U E 484171 N 5726459
Two pillars, linked by text in Welsh and a flowing black vein relief, from the top touchstone, flowing down the public steps from the High Street to the larger pillar, featuring a relief of a Coal Miner, working in a coal seam.
Waymark Code: WMDN6D
Location: South Wales, United Kingdom
Date Posted: 02/04/2012
Views: 5
A small pillar made from brick & stone topped with a touchstone, at the top of steps is engraved "Once flowing black with a darkness drawn from deep within the earth, Now a vein of clear hope, washing away the memories." and the Sculptors Signature "Howard Bowcott 1999"
The text in Welsh inscribed on the side wall of the steps reads :-
"Clywed afon ddisglair fel y grisial / Chwerthin iach ei dyfroedd yn tincial, Can ei glannau yn seinio a sisial, / Hi fydd yma yn ddi-ddadl / dal hanes a'i hanadl."
Translation :-Hear the river bright as crystal / Laughter is healthy tinkling waters, its banks are sound and song softly, / She will be here without debate / history and still breath.
The black river vein relief at the top of the steps changes to a black vein of coal at the lower sculpture, & features a relief of a coal miner digging in a black seam of coal.
The Official description reads :-
"Wide stairway linking main street with parking area. Metal handrails. Large pillar in central section of stairway with mining relief. The whole work incorporates lettering, sculptural forms and metalwork. Focal artpieces depicting local tradition at both ends of stairway.
The work was commissioned by Caerphilly County Borough Council as part of a three year programme, with funding from the Arts Lottery, to improve and refurbish towns in the county. The artists were found and the individual projects managed by Cywaith Cymru. For this work Howard Bowcott collaborated with a landscape architect. Major re-development was needed including the removal of a house to turn what was once a dark and very steep access way into its present incarnation."
Source :- (
visit link)