Our History
The History of Brynamman Public Hall and Cinema
Brynamman Public Hall and Cinema has a rich history dating back to the 1920s. It was funded through the "check-off" system, where weekly contributions were deducted from the miners' wages. Initially, these funds were used to build the hall, and later, to maintain and operate it.
This was actually the second public hall on the site. The first hall was tragically destroyed by fire in the previous decade, but the community's determination ensured the vision for a new venue was realized.
Ruins of Brynamman Public Hall. Dec 15th 1915
Construction of the new Brynamman Public Hall began in 1924, with seating for approximately 1,100 people. The cinema was furnished throughout with tip-up seats, upholstered in old gold corduroy, adding to its distinctive charm.
The stage, measuring 20ft by 60ft, was accompanied by four dressing rooms beneath. Below the library, the lounge featured 12 armchairs and three settees, providing miners with a place to relax or play cards around several oak game and card tables. The building also included a billiard room above the library, enhancing its role as a social hub for the local community.
The official opening ceremony took place on May 15, 1926. The cinema initially screened silent films, continuing until the 1930s when the era of "talkies" began.
The new Brynamman Public Hall, late 1920s / early 1930s
Since its inception, Brynamman Public Hall has been a proud landmark in the Amman Valley, serving generations of local residents. Established nearly 100 years ago, the hall stands as a symbol of the era when coal mining thrived in the region, with miners contributing a small portion of their wages to fund the hall’s creation.
Brynamman Public Hall 1990.
Sadly, as coal mining and heavy industry declined, many local miners' halls and institutes have closed, with many of these historic buildings lost forever. However, Brynamman Public Hall and Cinema remains a notable exception, continuing to serve the community to this day.
The hall is home to an almost perfectly preserved Art Deco auditorium, complete with many original fittings. The wooden paybox, too, has been carefully preserved and remains in active use.
Brynamman Public Hall following a fresh coat of paint in the mid 1980s.
While the detailed history of events at Brynamman Public Hall between its opening in 1926 and the latter decades of the 20th century isn't fully documented, we do know that it has operated continuously as both a cinema and theatre—never once closing its doors. This remarkable legacy has been made possible by the dedication of countless volunteers, staff, and committee members over the years.
Brynamman Public Hall committee & staff early 1980s
One of the most notable figures in the hall’s history was Brian Wyn Harries BEM, who sadly passed away in 2020. Brian devoted over 55 years of service to the hall, playing a central role in its preservation and continued success.
Brian Wyn Harries 1990
In more recent years, the hall has seen a number of significant developments. In late 2012, it made the leap from traditional film projection to digital projection. This was followed in 2013 by the opening of Studio Screen 2, a 42-seat second auditorium created in the former lounge space, made possible through successful grant funding.
Throughout the 2010s, further grants supported a wide range of redecoration and maintenance projects, helping to preserve the hall’s historic character while improving its facilities. Most recently, in 2023, the hall secured funding to upgrade the stage lighting and electrical systems—part of a broader plan to expand its programming and ensure the venue continues to thrive into the future.
Today, Brynamman Public Hall and Cinema continues to thrive, a cherished piece of local history and a vibrant cultural hub for the community.
Kalee Model 20 35mm Film Projector
Now on display in the auditorium, this Kalee Model 20 was originally installed as part of a pair during the 1980s, acquired second-hand by the Public Hall to replace the long-serving Kalee 12 projectors. It served as 'Projector 1' until 1998, when a new Cinemeccanica Victoria 5 projector and long-play tower system were installed, funded by a National Lottery grant. At that point, one of the Kalee machines was removed, while the remaining projector continued to show adverts and trailers until the transition to digital projection with the installation of the NEC projector in 2013.