Photography for MERTHYR SHINES by MLA Photography
MERTHYR SHINES, 2016
MERTHYR SHINES was an engagement project which celebrated the civic heart of Merthyr Tydfil. The work was informed by Merthyr's rich historical past, its creative present and the people who live in Merthyr. The goal was to inform artwork for Penderyn Square that will stand as a symbol for Merthyr's future as a place of innovation and creativity. The project ran throughout the Merthyr Rising Festival, in 2016.
The project included consultation activities, a temporary light installation, discussion forums, locally commissioned photography, bilingual publications and social media campaigns to promote the projects.
Appleyard was inspired to use a searchlight after seeing Thomas Hornor’s painting of The Penydarren Works, near Dowlais, 1817, which depicts shafts of light shining out of the ironworks.