Photographs

A prominent photographer in the 1960s, Philip Townsend captured much of the impact of the Disaster in the first hours and days. His images show the destruction of numerous buildings and the rescue effort that ensued rapidly after the landslip. It also records the visit of the Duke of Edinburgh, Prince Philip, to Aberfan mere hours later, visiting rescue crews and residents to offer support:

Rapoport, also a prominent photographer at the time, presented Aberfan in a different light. At over 100 published images, Rapoport's work captures the lives of residents at Aberfan (particularly those who were directly impacted by the Disaster) in the weeks following the Disaster and is one of the largest photographic collections surrounding the Aberfan Disaster. His own introduction in the book Aberfan: The Days After - A Journey in Pictures (p. ix-p. x) best describes his own personal experience of living in the community at the time of undertaking his work:

A photograph was taken at the opening of the Community Centre by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, showing a large crowd in attendance (further items can be found on Printed Material & Reports): 

Several photographs have been taken during the aid from the Aberdare team to Florence after the 1966 flood of the Arno. A ticket is also included for a Florence plaque presentation later held at Ynysowen Junior School with the Aberfan and Merthyr Vale Community Association in 1970. The residents of Aberfan had previously offered support by donating toys and clothes to assist with the wider South Wales aid to Florence: