BLAENAVON'S Big Pit has cemented its reputation as a top tourist attraction after scooping the prestigious Gulbenkian Prize for Museum of the Year. The National Mining Museum of Wales fought off stiff competition from three other hopefuls to win the title and £100,000 prize, the largest single UK arts prize. The announcement was made at a glittering ceremony at the Royal Institute of British Architects, in London. Speaking at the awards Peter Walker, keeper and mine manager, said, "We've wanted Big Pit to win this prize for so many reasons. "It proves that we've finally come of age as a national museum, and that we're offering a fantastic experience for our visitors, many of whom return time after time." He added he was delighted that the judges in the competition felt as enthusiastic about the attraction as its staff. "Our funders have been with us every step of the way, and we are extremely grateful to them for their support and encouragement over the past few years. Their faith in us has, hopefully, been repaid here this evening," he said. The Gulbenkian judges were unanimous in their praise of Big Pit. Sir Richard Sykes, chairman of the judges, described the museum as offering an exceptional emotional and intellectual experience for visitors. "It tells the individual stories of its community better than any museum I have visited and makes you contemplate the scale, and even the cruelty, of an industrial past that inspired a spirit of camaraderie and pride." The museum first opened its mine shaft doors to the public in 1983. Last year a record 141,000 people flocked to the newly renovated Big Pit. It now offers visitors an enhanced experience of life both above, and below, the coal face with its restored pithead baths, winding engine house and blacksmith's workshop. Alun Pugh, Assembly minister for Culture, Welsh Language and Sport was one of the first people to congratulate Big Pit on its success. "This is a fantastic achievement and one that Big Pit fully deserves. The knowledge and dedication of the staff, together with the recent redevelopment work have made Big Pit a world class attraction and winning the Gulbenkian Prize is a very well earned recognition of this," he said. "As the son of a coal miner, I have a special interest in Big Pit, so I am proud that the Welsh Assembly Government has been able to support this invaluable piece of our industrial heritage." John Rodger, Blaenavon Project director, also praised the museum. "Big Pit is one of the most important monuments of the World Heritage Site, and this prize really shows the increasing interest in industrial heritage, in which almost every member of someone's family has some experience of. "Industrial heritage can be presented in a world class way and it's really good news for Big Pit, for the town and South Wales. "We hope it continues to build awareness about the importance of South Wales' exceptional industrial history." The newly installed Mayor of Blaenavon, Councillor Brian Whitcombe, extended his congratulations to the museum. "I was very pleased when I heard the news. They thoroughly deserve it. I would like to add my congratulations on winning such a prestigious competition. "I am proud to say I am from Blaenavon." Councillor Whitcombe also congratulated the staff for their dedicated hard work and said he hoped more people will visit Big Pit and the town as a result of the competition. He said Big Pit combined with the newly launched walking trails means the future of tourism looks bright for the town. Leading politicians were also keen to offer their congratulations to Big Pit. Welsh Secretary Peter Hain described the news as "an enormous success story for Wales". "Big Pit is a living testimony to the courage and sacrifice of the Welsh coal mining communities. "The fact that ex-miners are employed as guides to take visitors underground adds greatly to the authenticity of the Big Pit experience and and gives visitors of all ages a unique insight into the mining industry," Mr Hain said. "Big Pit ensures that a remarkable period of Welsh working class history is not forgotten and its imagination, inspiration and excellence enhances the diverse nature of the Welsh tourism industry." Torfaen MP, Paul Murphy said, "The Gulbenkian prize is a hotly contested one, so to win it is a fantastic achievement, both for Big Pit and for Blaenavon. Big Pit provides employment, benefits the local economy and reminds us of our heritage - something that is especially important to me, as my father was a coal miner. "I am proud to be associated with what is a fantastic museum and a first class attraction for visitors to my constituency." Assembly Member, Lynne Neagle, added, "I am submitting a Statement of Opinion to the Assembly congratulating Big Pit on its success. "I can recommend it as an enjoyable and educational experience and a vital part of our Valley's heritage. "It has gained an excellent reputation and I hope that this award will further bring it to the attention of as many people as possible."
