Exhibitions and Research

Waste of Our Time

In 1983, the South Wales Miners' Library produced a documentary film featuring community members from the Dulais Valley. In Waste of Our Time: Pictures of a Changing Valley, local residents discussed the villages of Banwen, Onllwyn and Seven Sisters and the effects coal mining had had on the landscape, people and wildlife. But how has life and landscape in the Dulais Valley changed since 1983?

In the months leading up to the Being Human Festival 2021, the South Wales Miners' Library and local residents created a new documentary. Using the original documentary as a starting point they consider the changes to landscape, wildlife and community life since 1983 and the social and environmental legacy of fossil fuels.

Online Exhibitions

These online exhibitions have been created by the South Wales Miners' Library and in partnership with the Richard Burton Archives; and with technical support from the Digital Humanities Team.

Centenary Essays

These Essays were inspired by the passion and drive of Professor Hywel Francis who was Chair of the Centenary Essays Editorial Panel.

''There is but one mode by which man can possess in perpetuity all the happiness which his nature is capable of enjoying - this is by the union and co-operation of all for the benefit of each''

Robert Owen, Co-operator, Social Reformer, Textile Mill Owner