Manic Street Preachers’ frontman James Dean Bradfield unveiled a painting at Newbridge Memo commemorating a mining disaster in 1878.
On September 11, 1878, a large explosion ripped through The Prince of Wales Colliery in Abercarn.
The exact number of deaths is still unknown but it is believed to be at least 268 men and boys, including 55 under the age of 18. It is thought the bodies of 27 children under 14 were lost to the flames.
The painting, by local artist Ron Guy, was unveiled on September 11, the anniversary of the disaster.
It is accompanied by a poem written by Grahame Davies and presented by his daughter Hâf Davies.
The painting is on canvass with a mosaic , stained glass style in the centre, surrounded by patchwork quilt inspired by the painter’s Nan’s shawls she would wrap him in.
Church records show 181 women became widows after the explosion and 360 children were left fatherless.
The painting expresses not only the loss of the miners but the grief of the families left behind.
Cllr David Carter, Mayor of Caerphilly County Borough said: “This beautiful painting serves as a poignant and humbling reminder of the sacrifice of past generations and the hardship of living and working in the South Wales coal fields.
“The community have come together to create a fitting tribute which will be on permanent display in a building which forms an important part of people’s lives life today, ensuring that these 268 men and boys will never be forgotten.”