New sculpture remembers roots

Specially created sculpture ‘From Supporter’s Hand’ is on display in the main entrance thanks to the £1.8m re-development of the off-field facilities at Penydarren Park, completed last season after being funded with grants obtained in partnership with Merthyr Tydfil County Borough Council.

The idea to install the artwork marking the club’s progress over the last six years in a new building unique to the town came from the local authority who commissioned two local artists, Alison Richards and Rob Taylor.

Working together as ARRT, formed by their initials, the pair took six months to create their work, the sculpture illustrating the story of Merthyr Town FC and an accompanying poem capturing the emotional and cultural connection between the club, its supporters and the wider community.

The Martyrs, who’ve hosted an exhibition for the artists and their work, pictured, are proud of their art’s significance to the club and their community and are inviting visiting fans to take a closer look when they next visit in 2017.

A spokesman explained: “The sculpture is made in ceramic, glass and wood; substances that create, or are born from fire, reflecting Merthyr Tydfil’s history as the crucible of the world’s industrial revolution and the rich bronze age community that was present in pre-history.

“Made of sweet chestnut from a Merthyr Tydfil woodland which is carved into a swirling arc, it represents the football club’s journey from chaos to stability. The multi-coloured glass hexagons, beginning with the black and white colours of the club transform into colours of the rainbow representing the club reaching out into every section of the community.”

For more informatin on ARRT visit: www.arrt.me.

Images courtesy of Merthyr Town

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