Welsh professional artist, Goff Danter has painted a number of images which are based upon locations within the Blaenavon World Heritage Site in South East Wales, UK. Many of Goff’s ideas for paintings were derived from places inside this geographical area. They have links to the industry and way of life of the people in this particular industrial community. This feature follows a trail of paintings throughout this historic landscape. The area still retains some of the features of its industrial past and as a result achieved World Heritage Status.
Blaenavon Heritage Centre provides a great deal of information on its industries and the lives of the local people who worked in the coal and iron sites of the area. Within a small locality you are able to see examples of the by-gone days of industry - Big Pit Coal Mining Museum, The Ironworks Museum and the railway line which has been established between Big Pit and the Whistle Inn at Garn-yr-Erw.

This feature will outline the history of the area as there is a strong link to the paintings based upon Goff’s childhood, when he lived in The Whistle Inn, Garn-yr-Erw near Blaenavon. It is, however, an area with the best examples in the world of iron-making and coal mining and there are many books on the subject. The development of these industries proved to be a huge step forward in the Industrial Revolution. If anyone has read Alexander Cordell’s novel ‘Rape of the Fair Country’, then you have read something of this history. His book brought attention to the historic importance of Blaenavon and its surrounding areas and how they are rooted in the history of coal and steel.

The Blaenavon industrial landscape is located within dramatic mountain scenery which attracts many visitors. Much of the World Heritage Site is located in the Brecon Beacons National Park, where the remains of the industrial landscape is a total contrast to the beautiful mountains and surrounding countryside. The lighting across the landscape at certain times of day, with dramatic skies can be seen in many of Goff’s paintings. All this history and natural beauty is a few miles from his studio and home. As an artist, Goff selects features of localities and combines them to create an image which is typical of the geography and memories of living in the area. At a height of more than 1500 feet above sea level this area gives dramatic views across mountains, forests, gorges and valleys which are so typical of the national park.

Personal photographs which are unseen demonstrate the buildings that no longer exist in the area.