What’s inside the Collier’s Institute?
The museum displays an extensive collection of artefacts, memorabilia and photographs illustrating some of the industrial history of the area: coal mining, the iron industry, tram roads, railways, canals etc. The collection has been built up over many years by members of the Oxford House Industrial History Society along with donations by some very generous people. The museum is run entirely by volunteers from the Society.
Before local boundary changes extinguished Islwyn Borough Council, one of their last acts was to acquire the Risca Colliers Institute by means of a European development grant, to house the museum and extend the facilities of Oxford House Adult Education Centre. The Institute was built in 1916 and is now a Grade II listed building…
Their Industrial Heritage – Iron and Coal
Iron, steel and tinplate Coal
The large ironworks at Rogerstone, Pontymister and Abercarn were the very visible presence of heavy industry in the valley with smaller forges and foundries making their own contribution to Industrial Risca.
Coal, clay and lead mines.
With deep mines at Blackvein, North Risca and Abercarn plus dozens of small levels on both sides of the valley, Risca’s mining industry also played an essential part in the local economy.
