Sardis Chapel is the new home of the Josef Herman Foundation in Ystradgynlais.
In early 2023, thanks to generous support, sponsorship and encouragement from many, the Foundation was able to purchase the then derelict Sardis on Heol Giedd in Ystradgynlais, situated next to the Penybont Inn where Herman had once lived.
Sardis was built in 1861 replacing the original chapel on Oddfellow Street, which had suffered serious damage in 1859 when the mine shafts beneath it collapsed.
The new chapel was designed by Reverend Thomas Thomas, also known as Thomas Glandŵr, a minister and chapel architect, and built by Thomas Morgans of Cwmgiedd. It was in continuous use for 152 years until 2013 when it was sold. It has remained empty since then.
Our intention is to save this community landmark and breathe new life into it.
Our vision is to create gallery spaces and an archive for our existing collection of Josef Herman’s work and other artists, be a community heritage hub and much more.
The foundation has bought Sardis, an empty chapel in Ystradgynlais, which it plans to renovate and turn into a gallery to tell Herman’s story and show his works.
Sardis, Ystradgynlais, Swansea, 20th July 2023.
Images of Sardis Chapel, Ystradgynlais as it is taken over by the Joseph Herman Foundation. This is the day that we got the keys for the chapel and were able to visit for the first time the excitement of this first visit is captured by the photographer Rob Melen. In the images is seen some trustees and friends of the foundation. we have work to do in developing the chapel and are currently working with various organisations to progress the project. This purchase provides a great opportunity to develop Herman's presence in Ystradgynlais and to develop our community engagement.
Sketch by Stephen Roe (FB page Swansea Valley in Pictures) of Sardis once JHF bought it and shows the scaffolding on the front elevation.
Some interesting historical information about Sardis available on this Website
to include:
- History of Sardis Chapel
- The Local Area
- Ministers of Sardis
- People of Sardis
- Sardis Cemetery
- Architectural Elements
- Singing At Sardis
- Ysgoldy Fach
- Sardis Chapel Centenary
- Views of Sardis
Historical information
Sardis Independent Chapel was built in 1832, rebuilt in 1841 and again in 1861. The present chapel, dated 1861, was designed by architect Thomas Thomas of Landore and built (at a cost of £1600) in the Classical style with a hipped box plan and tall round headed windows. This was extended in 1887.
RCAHMW, June 2011
from Coflein