Merthyr Tydfil Museum & Art Gallery

By far the majority of this varied collection is housed in Cyfarthfa Castle built originally by the wealthy Crawshay family who made their money from the local Ironworks. In 1908 the building was sold to the local council and two years later the Museum and Art Gallery was opened.

The Art Gallery houses the largest collection of paintings by Penry Williams (1802-1885) who although born in Merthyr spent most of his life in Rome. The collection is also known for its holding of portraits by George Frederick Harris, (1856-1924). Harris ran a portrait and photography business in the town before emigrating to Australia. He had a son, also an artist, namely Cromwell Harris, (1897-1980) who is the father of artist and entertainer Rolf Harris. Other artists represented include Esther Grainger, Donald McIntyre, Cecil Kennedy, John Collier, Will Roberts, Arthur Pritchard and Ivor Williams.