Valerie Ganz

Valerie Ganz (1936–2015) was a Welsh artist, known for her paintings of South Wales coal miners.

Life and work Ganz grew up in Mumbles of Swansea. She studied art in Swansea then worked as a teacher and lecturer. She developed an interest in the coal mining heritage and industrial landscapes of South Wales, as well as painting prisoners, dancers and nightclubs.

At one point, Ganz set up a home and studio in Six Bells in Blaenau Gwent, where she spent a year creating art at the Six Bells Colliery, as well as the local snooker hall and chapel.

Fourteen of Ganz's paintings are held in UK public collections, including the National Coal Mining Museum for England, the National Library of Wales and the National Museum of Wales.

She died suddenly on 28 September 2015 aged 79, after struggling with ill health.