Exhibition bittersweet experience for ex-workers
09 Oct 2008
Visitors to the latest exhibition at Newport’s Riverfront are enjoying a poignant reminder of the city’s industrial past. For three local men, however, ‘Ghosts in Armour’ is an altogether more moving experience.
The trio spent most of their working lives at the former Whitehead Steelworks in the centre of Newport—and none of them expected to see it again after demolition of the 80-year-old building began this year.
In fact, when the photographers responsible for the exhibition started taking pictures of the largely decommissioned plant, the Whitehead staff still there were extremely sceptical about the finished results.
“We couldn’t understand why they were doing it,” said Terry Anderson, 57, originally from Newport but now living in Caerphilly. “But when we went to The Riverfront, we could see how well it had all come together. I was amazed by the quality of the photographs and I think it’s an excellent exhibition.”
Terry was employed by Corus and—before the company bought the plant, British Steel—for a total 38 years. He began as a fitter/turner apprentice, before moving on to become a foreman, supervisor and cold mill engineer. Currently, he works for Keir Managed Services, providing security at the site, job-sharing with former Whitehead colleague Kieron Kinsey.
Cwmcarn resident Kieron, 53, also signed up as an electrical apprentice in 1971, having served a brief stint at the Orb Works. His role today is to ensure the safety of any visitors during demolition.
“Going to the exhibition with other ex-workers was a happy and sad experience,” he said. “I met hundreds of people during my time at the steelworks; seeing some of them again and remembering what the place used to look like was bittersweet.”
Phil Ward from Goldcliff, Newport, was taken on as an electrician at Whitehead in 1974 and worked in both the cold and hot mills before taking early retirement in 2000.
The 62-year-old felt the name of the exhibition was appropriate, given the reluctance of many of his colleagues to spend time in certain parts of the plant. “Being electricians, there were lots of dark, spooky places we had to visit, such as the cellars,” he said. “Some didn’t want to go into them because they thought they were haunted!”
He said his visit to The Riverfront had brought back many happy memories. “I was a bit surprised at how well it was done and how interesting it was. I think it’s wonderful.”
The exhibition, which explores themes of history, loss and regeneration and involves over 20 local artists, is running in the basement gallery at The Riverfront until Friday 17 October. The brainchild of two local Newport photographers, Matt Wright and Janire Najera, it is being supported by main sponsor Corus, the Arts Council of Wales, and The Riverfront, among others.
It contains 360-degree photography of the steel plant as it has never been seen before, including when it was derelict. There are portraits of former Whitehead workers photographed where they used to work, film footage of the factory and an installation built with objects found in the factory before its demolition.
Keith Farron, Community Relations Manager for Corus, said: “This exhibition is unique, reflecting upon the cultural heritage of Newport and the important role steel had—and is having now—in changing the architectural skyline of the city.
“Like many colleagues who worked there, I have found it all a bit sobering. However, what they’ve created is quite amazing and I hope that the general public, and as many schools as possible, will take advantage of visiting this exhibition.”
