Kidwelly Industrial Museum
The Museum will be closed to the public on Tuesday July 6th (for the International Conference of Contemporary Cast Iron Art) and will re-open on Tuesday July 13th.
The historic castle town of Kidwelly played a key role in the 'Tinopolis' success story of 19th Century Carmarthenshire when Llanelli and its surrounding area was home to around half the world’s production of tinplate.
As well as having one of best-preserved medieval castles in Wales, Kidwelly can lay claim to the second oldest recorded tinplate works in the UK. The buildings and machinery are rare survivors of this important industry. Kidwelly Tinplate Works was established in 1737 and was only the second of its type in Britain. Its founder, Charles Gwynn, encountered many problems as did others, but the basic necessities were there - water power, iron from nearby and a port to receive tin from Cornwall.
The works had a chequered history, as reflected in the fortunes of Kidwelly town itself. At its peak in 1908, it employed between 350-400 people; but during periodic closures there was great poverty and distress. The works finally closed in 1941 when, because of the war, the supplies of tin dropped off. After the closure the site was used for storage but the machinery was left there and can still be seen today. Also on show are pieces of machinery from the Morlais Colliery and a blacksmith’s shop.
This museum is unique as it is the only one dedicated to the interpretation of the tinplate industry in general and specifically the individual processes involved in making tinplate.
Work on a long-term project to put up a building to house the museum’s locomotives is nearing its conclusion. Plans are being drawn up to improve visitor information. Visitors can enjoy a cup of tea at reception and there is ample car parking. The museum opens for Easter and then from Spring Bank holiday until the end of September.
Kidwelly Industrial Museum
Mynyddygarreg, Kidwelly, Carmarthenshire SA17 4LW.
kidwellyindustrialmuseum.co.uk
Museums Introduction
Carmarthen Museum
Parc Howard Museum
Kidwelly Industrial Museum
Pendine Museum of Speed
National Wool Museum
© 2010 Carmarthenshire County Council.