Eerie silence and ‘still surviving’: what happened next after steel town’s last blast furnace shut down
Exhibition in Port Talbot is part of project exploring how communities experience endings and transitions Margaret Heggett, 95, does not remember a time when Port Talbot was ever quiet. Born and raised in the shadow of the steelworks, with a father, brother and husband who worked there, she never imagined what the town could look or sound like without its blast furnaces. “I’m not saying it was…
The closure of Port Talbot's last blast furnace in 2024 marked a significant turning point for the once-thriving steel town, with profound implications for its residents and surrounding industries. Born and raised in the town, 95-year-old Margaret Heggett recalls a life centered around the steelworks, where her father, brother, and husband all worked.
While acknowledging the town's inherent beauty, she laments the loss of jobs, stating, "I’m not saying it was beautiful, but there were jobs. We did know the closure was coming and we have to move with the times but it’s affected the town a lot and it’s very sad."
The exhibition "Steeling Ourselves," curated by photographer Jon Pountney, delves into the experiences of Port Talbot's residents as they navigate the aftermath of their community's industrial decline. The exhibit combines photographic portraits of the town with interviews, capturing the strength, creativity, and determination of its people as they strive to forge a new future while preserving their cherished memories.
For many, the silence that fell after the last blast furnace shut down was eerily captivating. One resident reminisced about the mesmerizing 1,000-degree heat that once illuminated the sky, a spectacle they had grown accustomed to since childhood. Photographer Jon Pountney, one of two individuals who witnessed the final days inside Tata's blast furnace, contributes to the exhibition's poignant portrayal of the town's transformation.
Despite the challenges, the people of Port Talbot remain resolute, emphasizing that the closure does not signify the end of their community. Professor Patricia Kingori, lead researcher on the After the End project, emphasizes the importance of understanding the social impact of such industrial changes and the lessons to be learned from Port Talbot's experience.
With Tata Steel transitioning to a greener model, the town's future remains uncertain, but its residents are determined to embrace change and continue shaping their community's destiny.
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