Abercwmboi Workmen's Hall and Institute

Cadw's description

Location

Facing the main thoroughfare in the centre of the community.

History

Built 1913. Part of the provision for workers of the Powell Duffryn Steam Coal Company - as was nearby
church of St Margaret of Antioch. Hall was used as a cinema until a fire in 1966; as part of subsequent refurbishment the building was extended to E.

Exterior

Hall and attached institute wing at lower level. Built of stone rubble coursed and rock-faced to front with ashlar dressings, rendered to right side; machine tile roof with ventilator and moulded ashlar coping. 2 storeys. Gable-end facade to hall has central tripartite Venetian-style window with keystone and continuous corniced hood, giving onto balcony. This is supported by the projecting channelled double doorway with inscription over; part glazed swing doors. Side bays are slightly advanced and defined by decoratively spaced ashlar quoins; oculi to first floor, small rectangular lobby windows with corniced hoods below. No windows to right side; left side has windows with brick surrounds to 2 storeys and across storeys; mostly replaced glazing except for one 6-pane sash. At a lower level and reached by a flight of steps down slope is the former Institute which retains main doorway with deep round-arched hood supported by giant consoles on pilasters with inscription in tympanum. Tall tripartite window similar to that at hall gable end though with moulded render surround; other windows are rectangular and paired, all with replaced glazing.

Interior

Entrance lobby has boarded dado and stairs to upper level each side; these have decorative tripartite metal balusters and a moulded ramped handrail. Institute entered at lower level consists of a suite of rooms including a billiard hall and former library, converted to a bar lounge.

Reason for designation

Listed as a rare surviving worker''''''''''''''''s recreational and educational centre from the early years of the 20th century when mining in the Cynon Valley was at its height.