photoworkshopwales (Ystradgynlais)

Ystradgynlais is a former coal mining village situated on the edge of the Brecon Beacons National Park.
Many coal mines were once situated in the Swansea valley. Ystradgynlais was the home for Polish artist, Josef Herman during the 1940s. He was knick-named 'Joe Bach'. Herman stayed in Ystradgynlais for eleven years and produced many artistic studies of Welsh coal miners.
As well as coal mining, iron was produced and part of the iron works still remain as a monument (photo above). Watches were also made here, in a large factory locally known as 'tick tock'. Although watch making ceased some years ago, the factory was recently demolished to make way for a Tesco store.
Like many of the villages in the south Wales coalfield, the people of Ystradgynlais are a closenit community and you will hear many people speaking the native tongue - Welsh.
Just up the road, are beautiful and stunning hills, streams and mountains and the famous waterfall country is nearby.
Just over the hill, the pit head wheels still stand and a small mining museum reminds visitors of the past.
With these photo opportunities, it is a fantastic area to learn and put into practice photographic skills.

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