Sculpture of Max Boyce could be built in town centre

Hannah Neary, local democracy reporter

A sculpture of Welsh entertainer Max Boyce MBE could be built in Glynneath, where he was born and lives today.

A lifelike bronze sculpture of the legendary performer could be erected on Glynneath highstreet as a celebration of his work and contribution to Welsh culture.

This year marks the 50th anniversary of Mr Boyce writing one of his most popular songs, Hymns and Arias, which is commonly sung at Welsh rugby games.

The sculpture has been designed by Glynneath-based artist Rubin Eynon.

Mr Eynon said he used 3D scanning to develop the detail in the design of the sculpture and plans to make it “as realistic as possible”.

“I use high-tech stuff quite a lot. These days it’s amazing what’s possible with being able to scan the real world.”

If approved, the sculpture would be surrounded by a crescent of low-level stone seating, with the figure looking towards Glynneath RFC.

Glynneath RFC has applied to Neath Port Talbot for planning permission to build the artwork on land opposite 114 High Street, Glynneath. Mr Boyce is currently the club’s president.

The club is hoping to get funding for the project from the Maesgwyn Community Wind Farm Grant Fund and is awaiting the results of an application.