Blue plaque celebrates architect behind some of Swansea’s most recognisable buildings

Glendinning Moxham designed the Glynn Vivian Art Gallery, the YMCA on St Helen’s Road, and many other civic and private buildings that have shaped the city’s skyline for more than a century.

The latest plaque in Swansea Council’s heritage scheme was revealed at the Bristol Channel Yacht Club on Mumbles Road — one of Moxham’s hallmark designs — during the club’s 150th anniversary celebrations. The tribute was proposed by Jeff Stewart, Robert Johnston and Huw Griffiths, founding members of the Swansea History Society.

Bristol Channel Yacht Club and Blue Plaque for Glendinning Moxham
(Images: Swansea Council)

Cllr Elliott King, Cabinet Member for Culture, said Moxham’s work “is part of the very fabric of Swansea”, adding:

“From arts and culture to healthcare and hospitality, his buildings continue to serve and inspire our communities.”

Born in 1865, Moxham trained in Nottingham before returning to Swansea to begin a career spanning decades. His portfolio includes the Swansea University sports pavilion on Sketty Lane, the former London and Provincial Bank on Wind Street (now the Bank Statement pub), Olchfa House in Sketty (now the Miller and Carter steakhouse), Gorseinon Hospital and St Hilary’s Church in Killay. He also restored several churches and designed residential streets such as Eden Avenue in Uplands.

YMCA SwanseaYMCA SwanseaGlynn Vivian Art GalleryGlynn Vivian Art GalleryGlendinning MoxhamOlchfa House

The council’s blue plaque scheme, now in its 12th year, recognises people and places of historic interest linked to the city. Previous recipients include musician Pete Ham, novelist Ann of Swansea, anti-slavery campaigner Jessie Donaldson, polar explorer Edgar Evans and the Vetch Field.

More details on the scheme, including how to nominate, are available at swansea.gov.uk/blueplaques.

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