A mural paying tribute to the armed forces and civilian efforts in wartime is planned to be displayed on the sides of Aberdare Library. The planning application submitted to Rhondda Cynon Taf (RCT) Council proposes a street art mural painted on the south and east facing sides of the building, depicting scenes of remembrance in a storyboard format.
The east side of the mural would show a parent or loved one bidding farewell to their loved ones going off to war, with representations of all three armed services – through a ship, aircraft, and tank. The mural would then transition to depict a grieving service person and an elderly veteran honouring fallen comrades. On the south side, there would be a representation of life on the home front, acknowledging the civilian contribution to the war effort, including Land Army workers, Bevin Boys, civil defence forces, munitions workers, evacuees, and the dig for victory campaign.
The application states that the mural will enhance the area around the public library, brightening up the facades with quality artwork by a well-known street artist. It highlights that the mural’s location and aspect will make it accessible to the public. The proposal follows the success of the memorial garden adjacent to the library, which has become a public attraction and a place of remembrance for the community, serving military personnel and veterans.
Submitted by the Cynon Valley Armed Forces Memorial Garden committee and Royal Welsh Comrades Association Aberdare, the application aims to provide commemorative, symbolic, and historical significance to the area. The mural is intended to create a space of remembrance and respect for the sacrifices made during wartime.