Brangwyn Hall at the Guildhall Swansea

The Brangwyn Hall at the Guildhall, Swansea is renowned as a major concert hall and conference centre,

The Guildhall was opened on 23 October 1934, and was originally conceived as the answer to an acute accommodation problem in the former Guildhall at Somerset Place (now the Dylan Thomas Centre). It was erected in a decade of biting recession and high local unemployment, so the construction of the building helped to alleviate local hardships. Had it not been for the availability of unemployment relief schemes, the Guildhall may never have been built.

The building has proved to be functional as well as being architecturally splendid. Its innovative design and features were widely copied in other municipal buildings during the two decades following its completion. As the civic centre, it has functioned as the focal point of local government and justice, it is the fount of civic ceremony, and is one of the principal centres of social and cultural life in Swansea.

Today the building is used as a variety of functions, with regular concerts given by the BBC National Orchestra of Wales and Choirs from around the Country.

Brangwyn Panels

The hall is enhanced by some unique artistic magnificent panels.

Sir Frank Brangwyn, R.A. (1867 - 1956) is celebrated as one of Britain's most prolific and versatile artists. His work is internationally acclaimed and the huge British Empire Panels in Swansea are amongst the most important examples of his decorative work on a large scale.

The Panels in the Brangwyn serve as a testament to the creative vision of the artist, but also to the Council for providing a purpose- built municipal environment where this artistic achievement could be enjoyed by the public on a daily basis.