THE Brangwyn Hall's famous wall panels are to go undercover for the first time since the Second World War.
World-famous artist Frank Brangwyn painted the 17 panels which adorn the walls of the hall, but are going into storage for their own protection, as the multi million pound refurbishment of the Guildhall progresses.
Work is scheduled for completion by next summer, when the hall will re-open as a major concert, meeting and wedding venue.
Councillor Nick Bradley, the council's cabinet member for regeneration, said: "Our city is immensely proud of the Brangwyn panels and that's why we've brought in specialist conservators to make sure that they will be properly protected while building improvements take place.
"It'll be the first time since the Second World War that the panels will be closed off to public viewing, but this is a measure that's needed for their preservation so that people can continue to enjoy them in future.
"This latest phase of refurbishment is part of an overall project that will ensure our historic Guildhall continues to be a working building where we can serve our communities in years to come."
The panels will be wrapped in layers of special protective packaging, and once in place conservators will carry out routine inspections of the panels until the refurbishment works are completed.
The Brangwyn upgrade involves rewiring, replacement of existing heating systems and weatherproofing works, while the fabric of the building will also be upgraded and restored. The work includes roof coverings, windows and internal and external stonework and carpentry.
Much of the work on the rest of the Guildhall has already been refurbished.
The Brangwyn scheme is phase five of the restoration of the Guildhall, whose iconic tower has also been restored.
The building, which opened in 1934, enjoys iconic status in Swansea, and has become a centre of civic life in the city. In recent years, its fantastic architectural features have appeared in popular global TV productions such as BBC's Doctor Who and Sherlock.
