Aberystwyth: A Historic and Vibrant Town

Variously called the ‘Biarritz of Wales’, the ‘Cambrian Brighton’ and, by Wynford Vaughan Thomas, ‘A town for the unambitious man’, Aberystwyth has been mid-Wales’s premier holiday resort for over 200 years. It is also the home of a vibrant university. Both these functions have contributed to a rich visual culture documenting the town.

In Aberystwyth Reflections, local author William Troughton has brought together a fascinating collection of historic and modern photographs that are individually merged to reveal how the town has changed across the decades. As an established resort the promenade area, with its pier, bandstand, pierrots, paddling pool and seafront hotels, features in many of the images. Pictures of streets, shops, notable events, military camps, funicular and narrow-gauge railways, the harbour and vanished buildings are also included. A section looks at the development of the university campus during the 1960s and 1970s.

This evocative visual chronicle, which features many previously unpublished photographs, reflects Aberystwyth past and present. It will appeal to residents, visitors and anyone with connections to the town.