Sandfields, PORT TALBOT
Built to house a growing steelworking community, Sandfields has been shaped by industry, the sea and generations of people who have made the area their home. Today, strong community networks continue to celebrate its history and respond creatively to change.
Wales REACH worked with Codi and local groups to explore memories of the steelworks, the seafront, community life and the natural world. Through gardening, history, textiles and sculpture, people shared memories and created new stories about the place they call home.
REACH also worked with the LIFE Project at Thrive Domestic Abuse Services. Through art and making, women explored history, myth, nature and their own creativity, creating ceramics, collage and glass artworks.
Together, the work celebrates memory, resilience and creativity – and the connections between people, place and community.
“The Art Workshops were so amazing – I thoroughly enjoyed them, the workshop leaders were great… and I met some great people to boot”
Explore Port Talbot Exhibits
Port TalbotDeep Waters
A diaorama of knitted sea creatures, the iconic steelworks skyline, and shells from Aberavon beach
Port TalbotAtgofion: Portraits of Belonging (Book)
A book of portraits and memories of residents of Ysbryd Y Mor assisted living
Port TalbotMemories by the Sea
Large banner embroidered with memories of Aberavon Beach and celebrating people’s connection to the seaside
Port TalbotAtgofion: Portraits of Belonging (Portraits)
A book of portraits and memories of residents of Ysbryd Y Mor assisted living
Port TalbotMore Than Just a Green Space
In 2023, the land around Sandfields Library was mostly open grass. Local volunteers had a different vision – to create a garden that could bring people and nature together
Port TalbotThe Aberavon Whale
A paper-maiche sculpture of the Aberavon whale and penguins, a much-loved public art feature on the seafront
Port TalbotSecrets of the Sands
The sands around Port Talbot have hidden traces of people who lived here thousands of years ago
Port TalbotWeaving the Bees
3 willow bees celebrating the community garden’s creation and the rare carder bees found in Port Talbot
Port TalbotMemories of the Sea
Ysbryd Y Môr residents (Sandfields, Port Talbot) share some of their memories
Port TalbotReturning to My Trees
The Welsh saying “Dod yn ôl at fy nghoed” – ‘to return to my trees’ – describes taking a moment to clear your mind and find yourself again
Port TalbotMy Brew
Sharing a cuppa is a cornerstone of British social interaction, but what you drink, how you make it, when and where you share it is a window into personal and family traditions
Port TalbotPort Talbot is my Patch(work)
Multimedia artwork made of hexagons representing living in Port Talbot and Welsh identity, inspired by the unfinished quilt in St Fagans