Off an unsuspecting turn on the M4 motorway in South Wales lies the town of Port Talbot, a place that has garnered attention for more than just its steelworks. Renowned actor Michael Sheen, one of its most famous natives, has long claimed that this town is a hotspot for extraterrestrial activity. However, it's not UFO sightings that British photographer Roo Lewis sought to document in his monograph titled "Port Talbot UFO Investigation Club." Instead, Lewis set out to capture the essence of a town deeply fascinated with folklore, storytelling, and the quirks of everyday life.
Over the course of two years, Lewis delved into the heart of Port Talbot, unearthing a way of life punctuated by small-town rituals and bound together by a strong sense of patriotism. His photography masterfully unveils the eccentricity of its residents, showcasing Miss Wales atop a mountain, Michael Sheen's father Meyrick, who carved out a career as a Jack Nicholson impersonator, and Captain Beany, the curator of the world's only baked bean museum located in his Port Talbot flat.
Lewis's captivating portraits are juxtaposed with scenes of mundane serenity: washing lines swaying in the breeze, Christmas lights adorning bungalows, and the golden glow of the evening sun casting a warm hue over the town as it heads west toward Swansea.
Port Talbot's history is rich with extraordinary individuals, including 1920s Hollywood starlet Peg Entwistle, Anthony Hopkins, and Richard Burton. What is it about this town that seems to breed the extraordinary? According to Lewis, it's the tangible air of drive and ambition that permeates the place, as well as a shared desire to dream and aspire to something beyond the ordinary.
In Lewis's own words, "I don't care if it's true or not – I love the story. I think any idea of faith or hope is what keeps us going." Port Talbot, he describes, is a unique blend of natural beauty and industrial grit, a place where industry is in the blood, and storytelling is an art form.
The Welsh, known as some of the greatest storytellers, have woven tales of George Lucas staying overnight in Port Talbot, with the cranes on the dock supposedly inspiring AT-AT Walkers in Star Wars. The name "Tata Steelworks" even appears as an intriguing connection. While the timelines might not align perfectly, these stories illustrate the town's deep connection to the art of storytelling.
Port Talbot's residents, past and present, continue to inspire with their ambition and hope. People like Pancho from Dirty Sanchez, a skate show that left its mark on MTV in the early 2000s, and other individuals showcased in Lewis's monograph, exemplify the town's sense of camaraderie and the importance of finding one's own club or niche in life.
Lewis's work isn't just about photography; it's a celebration of the human spirit in a place that's often overlooked. Through his lens, he manages to capture the beauty in the mundane and the magic in the everyday. He chooses to highlight the positive aspects of Port Talbot, steering clear of the trap of portraying it negatively, acknowledging that while there's plenty of mundanity, there's also an abundance of beauty to be found.
Ultimately, "Port Talbot UFO Investigation Club" is a testament to the power of dreaming and the pursuit of something greater. It's about the shared human experience, the stories we tell, and the connections we make. In Port Talbot, where people gather in pubs to chat and share tales, Roo Lewis discovered a vibrant community and a deeply human story. His perception of the town evolved over the years he spent there, and one thing remains certain: he'll always go back to celebrate the enduring spirit of Port Talbot and its captivating residents.