About us
Set in a Georgian stable block, Pontypool Museum is an Accredited Museum managed by Torfaen Museum Trust. The Trust have been safeguarding and collecting art, historical objects and cultural artefacts on behalf of the borough since 1978.
There are over 15,000 items on view from our collections ranging from prehistoric objects and medieval treasure troves, to industrial revolution collections, and fine & decorative art including the famous Pontypool Japanware.
With seasonal exhibits, exclusive art events, an extensive library specialized in local content plus our world famous collections of Pontypool Japanware; Torfaen Museum Trust is looking after the Eastern Valley’s history for future generations.
Every year, 35,000 visitors enjoy the unique collections curated by Torfaen Museum Trust at Pontypool Museum and there is always something of interest on display for everyone.
Amdoman ni
Mae Amgueddfa Pont-y-pŵl, sydd wedi ei lleoli mewn stabl o’r cyfnod Sioraidd, yn amgueddfa achrededig a reolir gan Ymddiriedolaeth Amgueddfa Torfaen. Mae’r Ymddiriedolaeth wedi bod yn diogelu a chasglu celf a gwrthrychau hanesyddol a diwylliannol ar ran y cyhoedd ers 1978.
Mae gennym dros 15,000 o eitemau sydd yn cael eu harddangos, neu sy’n rhan o’n casgliadau. Maent yn amrywio o wrthrychau o’r cyfnod cynhanes a thrysorau canoloesol i gasgliadau o’r chwyldro diwydiannol, eitemau cofiadwy o Glwb Rygbi Pêl-droed Pont-y-pŵl a chelfyddyd gain.
Bob blwyddyn, mae 35,000 o ymwelwyr yn mwynhau’r casgliadau unigryw sydd yng ngofal Ymddiriedolaeth Amgueddfa Torfaen yn Amgueddfa Pont-y-pŵl ac mae rhywbeth o ddiddordeb i bawb bob amser yn cael ei arddangos.
Exhibits & Events
Throughout the year the museum organises exhibitions and events so that there is always something new to see and enjoy. Come and have a cup of tea and view the current display of Cafe Art, take a stroll through the Oriel Baker Gallery and see amazing paintings and pictures covering centuries of local history. Click on the title and see what’s happening this week!
Japanware
The Japanning industry was one of Pontypool’s most outstanding eighteenth century achievements and many famous painters started their careers by working with local Japanware manufacturers. To this day, the beauty of Japanware and the precision and artistry with which it was made is still evident. Pontypool Museum displays a range of Japanned items from its own and the National collections.
British Nylon Spinners
Known locally as one of Torfaen’s biggest employers and globally as the producer of innovative yarns, the British Nylon Spinners collection includes paintings, documents, photographs and other rare objects from the heyday of BNS/ICI/DuPont (1948 – 2003).
The Story of Torfaen
This permanent collection reveals the rich and unique history of the Borough from Llantarnam in the south to Blaenavon in the north and features prehistoric objects and medieval treasure troves, to industrial revolution items and cultural artefacts. This collection tells the story of how events have helped to shape the valley, the landscape and its people.
The Oriel Barker Art Gallery
Annual & seasonal events and exhibitions from local artists are regular highlights, plus you can view eighteenth century paintings by Thomas and Benjamin Barker and other artworks held by Torfaen Museum Trust.
Museum Tearoom and Café Art
The perfect refreshment after a trip around the museum is a cup of tea or coffee with a slice of cake available in our Tearoom. The Tearoom is also host to contemporary art shows know as Café Art.
Please call in for tea or coffee, warming hot chocolate in the winter or refreshingly cold drink in the summer and enjoy the art on display.
We now sell donated vintage china in our China Bazaar in the museum Tearoom (we stress not items from our collections!). There are now some lovely teasets, dishes, plates, jugs, souvenir china, vases and ornaments for sale at very cheap prices - to grace your home or give as gifts. Equally, please feel free to donate!
Also for sale are secondhand (donated) books, CDs & DVDs. Come and browse!
Shop
Pontypool Museum has a lovely gift and book shop selling a range of Welsh and local souvenirs, local history DVDs, greetings cards, prints, Quinnell candles, jewellery, local crafts, unique children’s toys and local fiction and historical interest books.
No charge - come and browse!