Press Releases

Big Pit will be hosting the launch of a collectors' limited edition of George Brinley Evans' autobiographical account of his time serving in Burma during the Second World War. George began his working life underground at Banwen Colliery before serving in Burma with the 12th Army during the Second World War.

'Where the Flying Fishes Play', published by Parthian Books, is a record of that time in a young man's life when the world holds endless possibilities. It is a moving story of comradeship with his fellow soldiers, and an account of his own widening of horizons through travel across oceans and continents filled with the danger and romance of a war that would change his life.

George has become known as one of the most prolific and well-loved Welsh miner-writers and artists. He returned to the mines after the War and finally retired in 1977. He became an established painter during his working life and, despite losing an eye in an accident, he also developed his skills as a sculptor and writer. He published his first book Boys of Gold in 2000, at the age of 77.

Peter Walker, Manager of Big Pit said: “George Brinley Evans is known as one of the most well-known miner-writers and artists in south Wales. We are privileged to be involved in the launch of the special edition of his new work, and are looking forward to celebrating his talent and contribution to the cultural life of south Wales.”

George Brinley Evans will be signing copies of Where the Flying Fishes Play in the Shop at Big Pit from midday on Thursday 23 November. Ten % of the cover price of each book sold is donated to Combat Stress, a charity rebuilding the lives of veterans who suffer from injury to the mind.

Amgueddfa Cymru – National Museum Wales operates seven national museums across Wales. These are National Museum Cardiff, St Fagans: National History Museum, National Roman Legion Museum, Caerleon, Big Pit: National Coal Museum, Blaenafon, National Wool Museum, Dre-fach Felindre, National Slate Museum, Llanberis and the National Waterfront Museum, Swansea.

Amgueddfa Cymru &nmash; National Museum Wales celebrates its centenary in 2007. For more details go to our 07 pages.

Entry to all the museums is free, thanks to the support of the Welsh Assembly Government.