Home > Europe > United Kingdom > Wales > West Glamorgan > Swansea
A petrochemical plant towering over residential housing, Baglan Bay, Wales, 1975
Wall Art and Photo Gifts from Heritage Images
A petrochemical plant towering over residential housing, Baglan Bay, Wales, 1975
A petrochemical plant towering over residential housing, Baglan Bay, Wales, 1975. By the late 1960s British Petroleums (BP) plant at Baglan Bay, near Swansea, was one of the largest petrochemical sites in Europe, employing 2500 workers at its peak in 1974. However, market changes led to the gradual closure of the facility between 1994 and 2004
Heritage Images features heritage image collections
Media ID 15066524
© Worldwide Photography / Heritage-Images
1970s Chemical Industry Cooling Tower Industrial Chemistry Looming Manufacturing Michael Michael Walters Oil Industry Paul Walters Worldwide Photography Ltd Seventies Swansea Wales Walters Welsh Dwarfed Overshadowed Petrochemical Plant
FEATURES IN THESE COLLECTIONS
> Architecture
> Towers
> Cooling Towers
> Europe
> United Kingdom
> Wales
> Swansea
> Europe
> United Kingdom
> Wales
> West Glamorgan
> Swansea
EDITORS COMMENTS
This print captures the juxtaposition of industry and residential life in Baglan Bay, Wales, during 1975. The towering presence of the petrochemical plant dominates the skyline, casting a shadow over the nearby houses. By this time, British Petroleums (BP) had established itself as one of Europe's largest petrochemical sites, employing thousands of workers at its peak. The image showcases the immense scale and power of industrialization in the 20th century. The vibrant colors bring to life the contrasting elements within this scene - on one hand, we see the modernity and progress represented by the factory with its cooling tower and cracking tower; on the other hand, we witness how it dwarfs and overshadows ordinary homes. This photograph serves as a reminder of both economic prosperity and environmental concerns associated with such industries. It encapsulates an era when manufacturing played a significant role in shaping communities while also raising questions about their impact on local residents' quality of life. Taken by Michael Walters from Paul Walters Worldwide Photography Ltd. , this image is a testament to his keen eye for capturing powerful visual narratives that transcend time. As we reflect upon this moment frozen in history, it prompts us to contemplate not only our past but also our future relationship with industrial development and its consequences for society as a whole.
MADE IN THE UK
Safe Shipping with 30 Day Money Back Guarantee
FREE PERSONALISATION*
We are proud to offer a range of customisation features including Personalised Captions, Color Filters and Picture Zoom Tools
SECURE PAYMENTS
We happily accept a wide range of payment options so you can pay for the things you need in the way that is most convenient for you
* Options may vary by product and licensing agreement. Zoomed Pictures can be adjusted in the Basket.
