Newport: West of the River

This fascinating collection of photographs of Newport vividly illustrates the enormous changes that have taken place on the west side of the river Usk in the last hundred years.

Like many other towns in South Wales the fortunes of nineteenth century Newport were closely tied to a massive rise in demand for iron and coal. The opening of the Monmouthshire Canal in 1796, followed by the building of Town Dock in 1842 with its supported network of railways, transofrmed Newport from a small town involved in coastal trading activities to a major industrial centre with shipping links throughout the World.

The 200 images from the collections of Newport Museum and Art Gallery presented here dramatically convey the vibrant and ever changing nature of life in this town. The photographs place emphasis on the people of Newport, both at work and play. They introduce many of the individuals and organisations which have shaped our town's history, helping to unlock some of the stories and events which have contributed to life in a continually evolving community.