Workmen's Institute
Initially based on the philanthropic ideals of the more progressive coalowners, miners and workmen increasingly formed their own funds to build self-run ‘Stutes. These were aspirational, altruistic centres of intellectual and social engagement. They contained libraries, reading rooms (complete with a plethora of the day’s newspapers), games rooms and meeting halls.
In 1919 the Miners Welfare Fund was founded to support and augment these institutions’ potential with auditoria, cinemas, swimming pools, and opportunities for scholarships. By the 1940s there were more than 100 Miners’ Institutes. The last institute was built in 1961 at Ynyswen.
Once at the heart of dynamic, outward-looking communities, many of these buildings have become disused in the last three decades. Pictured is Blackwood Miners’ Institute, one of those that survives today as a thriving arts venue – an example of a revitalisation that connects this building back to local life.
Once at the heart of dynamic, outward-looking communities, many of these buildings have become disused in the last three decades. Pictured is Blackwood Miners’ Institute, one of those that survives today as a thriving arts venue – an example of a revitalisation that connects this building back to local life.
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