Description
One of the last key historical buildings of Merthyr is the “Arts and Crafts Modern” central library designed by
Councillor T. Edmund Rees (of Messrs Johnson, Richards & Rees, architects of Merthyr), officially opened in
1936. As with Dowlais library, I spent many hours here finding escape and solace in books, not to mention
numerous school visits.
Providing relief and contrast from the nearby sombre neo-Gothic churches and flamboyant Town Hall, the library
is almost minimalist in comparison. Architecturally the decoration is pared down with delight given through the
generous proportions of the mullioned windows and their moulded surrounds, the light coloured Portland stone
frontage and Cumbrian slate roof with deeply overhanging eaves.
