Breconshire-born author, Adam Price, has opened the archives of a Black Mountains community with his book ‘Talgarth Through the Years’.

The volume contains over 150 photographs of the town and its surrounding area, kindly donated by locals and former residents now based further afield.

The photographic memoir, designed by Talgarth’s own Neil Morris of Touchdown Design, explores Talgarth’s shops, pubs, hospitals, sports teams and community over the 20th century, right up until the 1990s, with a special emphasis on a host of local characters.

The idea came to Adam during the pandemic, as he noticed an uptake in activity on local history websites and witnessed the opening of Talgarth’s Old Post Office Museum, which itself contains many local photographs. The time felt right to capture life in the town over recent decades and ensure that the people and places that are so well remembered were memorialised and preserved for the future. 

Speaking about the book, Adam said: "I couldn’t believe the support and interest in the project from those living locally, as well as those now based elsewhere around the country.

"I received so many invitations to look through people’s photos, talk about times gone by (and the present day!) and generally talk Talgarth. My only regret is that I couldn’t get round to more people or accept any more photos for this volume. Perhaps for another volume…

"The positive feedback since the book’s publication has just been brilliant."

The project was made possible by working in partnership with Talgarth Visitor Centre and thanks to core funding from the BBNPA SDF Fund, as well as donations from generous local businesses, charities and individuals.

Adam hopes that the images contained within the book will not only bring back memories of Talgarth’s people and places but also act as a reminder that Talgarth has always adapted and evolved – something especially pertinent to the town with the recent relocation of the Co-op out of the town square and the plans to refurbish Liverpool House. It is also hoped that the sports chapter sparks memories and discussion around a reformed cricket club in the town – something that was so popular in previous decades.

‘Talgarth Through the Years’ is available from the volunteer run Talgarth Visitor Centre on The Square, the Old Railway Line Nursery and online.