THE GWALIA WORKS
This Brynmawr factory was established in 1929 by an Order of Friends at a time when high unemployment and much hardship followed the 1920s decline of coal mining at Brynmawr.This lighter industrial work not only provided the chance for those unable to find work in the mines or in linked industry to earn a wage, but also to gain new skills.
At the Gwalia Works the manufacturers, ‘Brynmawr Furniture Makers Ltd’ and ‘Brynmawr Bootmakers Ltd’ were established as a source of employment for local people.
There was a commitment to high quality construction and materials combined with simplicity in design.The style of the furniture was in keeping with modern trends, and orders were taken mostly from private sources. In time “Brynmawr furniture” gained a respectable degree of popularity outside the local area.
GWALIA BOOT FACTORY – PLAQUE UNVEILING
This plaque was unveiled by the Blaenau Gwent Heritage Forum in 2013 to mark where the former Gwalia Boot Factory, was situated.
