Portraits from Aberfan - one man's amazing tribute [contains distressing material]

This 11 minute documentary tells an extraordinary story of human kindness, after a catastrophy. Older members of the community will remember the disaster at Aberfan, October 21st, 1966, when Pantglas Primary School was buried by the slippage of a colliery spoil tip. There were 144 victims, including 116 children. Portrait artis,t William Richardson, decided to use his talent to paint portraits of deceased children, free of charge, as lasting memorials for the families. This moving documentary illustrates some of these images and what this gave to grieving families.

This is a sad story, but indicative of many ways people come forward to help, after the most awful circumstances. This  is a salutary reminder of the best of human spirit, that no matter how difficult it is to undergo suffering, the aftermath can bring out the best in ourselves as well as other people - campaigns, positive change, resilience, fortitude, kindness, community spirit.

Parents
  • I was 4 when it happened and its the first news story I was ever aware of, mostly because it involved children I think and my parents took time to explain it to me. I've never forgotten it though. I can't imagine what it must have been like for the families and everyone else there. Blessings to them all

Reply
  • I was 4 when it happened and its the first news story I was ever aware of, mostly because it involved children I think and my parents took time to explain it to me. I've never forgotten it though. I can't imagine what it must have been like for the families and everyone else there. Blessings to them all

Children
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