THE most famous structure in Rhayader turns 100 this month, and to commemorate this milestone a local artist has created a piece of work that captures its significance to the community.
The town’s war memorial clock sits proudly in the centre of Rhayader, bisecting where four roads – North Street, East Street, South Street and West Street – all converge.
The clock tower was unveiled in September 1924 as a memorial to the local people who died in The First World War. Names of those who died in The Second World War were added at a later date.
Now, to celebrate its 100th birthday, artist Tom Jones has created a print of the iconic tower. He has donated a large copy to the town council, while prints are also on sale at his family’s shop, Hafod Hardware – those of the heart-warming Christmas advert fame.
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“To commemorate the 100th anniversary of the Rhayader war memorial clock, I have created a new piece of work that beautifully captures the significance of this landmark to our community,” said Tom in a post on the Hafod Hardware Facebook page on Monday.
“A large copy of my print will be proudly donated to Rhayader Town Council for display, serving as a lasting tribute to the history and sacrifice it represents.
“For those who want to own a piece of this special moment, prints are now available at Hafod Hardware and on our Etsy store.”
A spokesperson for Rhayader Town Council said: “Rhayader town clock and war memorial was erected to commemorate and give thanks to all who lost their lives in wars.
“It is the place we gather in remembrance but also in celebration, be that carnival, Christmas, New Year or as a meeting place.
“The town of Rhayader predates the clock and the strength of our community is in its people.
“But the clock stands over us, proud and steadfast – a physical and visual symbol recognised and loved by all.”
It’s virtually impossible to miss the war memorial clock tower, if you’ve ever visited Rhayader – which has styled itself as the outdoor capital of Wales.
Designed by architect B. Lloyd, the clock tower was unveiled by Lord Ormathwaite on September 18, 1924. It was donated by Mary Ann Lewis in memory of her late husband, Evan.
It was re-dedicated on November 7, 1948, by local dignitaries and clergy. The memorial cost £1,200 to build and money came from public subscriptions.
It was built in free classical style, made mainly of bath stone with grey-brown stone tower walls and dark stone plinth.
A pavilion roof with small gothic-arched louvres bears a cross, with the upper part having a tapering tower with bath stone quoins and cornice; while the lower part has engaged doric columns to corners and open pediments containing figures, supported on cornices above inscribed panels and recording the names of the fallen in both world wars.
Figures include a soldier (to the west), winged female figures and a Welsh dragon defeating the German eagle (to the east).
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