Capturing all the mischief and reality of Valleys life
HAPPY-GO-LUCKY pensioners, sweet jars at the local “caff” and men smoking cigarettes by the football pitch – a series of photographs has captured the small-town mischief and reality of the Rhondda Valleys.
A far stretch from the beautiful mountain shots and landscape scenes often associated with the former coal-mining region, Elijah Thomas’ collection documents some of the most vibrant characters and places that make up the tight-knit communities he calls home.
Combining black and white shots with technicolour images, Elijah, 27, captures the unique, small-town charm of the Valleys, as well as its humour, mischief and larger-than-life personalities.
Photographer Elijah, who is studying at the University of Salford, said: “I really enjoyed growing up in the Rhondda. I’m still best friends with people I met over 20 years ago.
“During the project I visited the two remaining Bracchi cafes in Treorchy – Carpanini’s and the Station Cafe, opened by Italian immigrants at the turn of the 20th century.”
Elijah also captured characters like Trevor Ward, a bingo-loving 104-yearold great-great-grandfather who likes to dance and also go for walks on the mountains.
You can see more of Elijah’s work on his website elijah-thomas. format.com/rhondda-valleys#0