Cymraeg

The Velvet Chapel: Glanaman and Garnant’s creative soul

Bethania Methodist Chapel in Glanamman, Carmarthenshire, a striking example of traditional Welsh religious architecture. The chapel features an ornate stone and brick façade with arched windows, decorative plasterwork, and a date plaque marked 1906. An iron fence runs along the foreground, adding to the historic character of the building.

From John Cale to the Velvet Chapel — learn about how a small Welsh village fuelled a global rock band. 

When you think of The Velvet Underground, you might picture the gritty streets of New York, but the story begins much closer to home — in Glanaman and Garnant. This quiet corner of the Amman Valley is where John Cale, co-founder of one of the most influential bands in music history, was born and raised.

Today, just down the road, The Velvet Chapel continues that spirit of experimentation and artistic rebellion. Part gallery, part creative collective, and part cultural movement, this unique venue is breathing new life into Glanaman and Garnant.
A black and white photograph of musician John Cale performing energetically on stage. He is captured mid-action, playing an electric guitar with intensity. Wearing sunglasses and a light-coloured shirt, Cale leans back, fully immersed in the music. A drum kit and amplifier are visible in the background, adding to the raw live performance atmosphere.

John Cale performing in 1983 (Photo: Yves Lorson, CC BY 2.0)

A factory of dreams

Inspired by Andy Warhol’s famous Silver Factory and Cale’s avant-garde legacy, The Velvet Chapel is a haven for artists, musicians, and dreamers. It’s the home of Jonny Zerox and The Remix Society, a collective working across:

  • Visual art – bold paintings, digital media, and immersive exhibitions
  • Film and TV – pushing creative boundaries on screen
  • Music and sound – experimental projects blending vintage and modern techniques
  • Podcasts and digital media – exploring counterculture, consciousness, and creativity

In a region once dominated by coal mining, The Velvet Chapel now digs deep into art, sound, and storytelling.

 

Keeping John Cale’s spirit alive

John Cale’s influence isn’t just a footnote here — it’s at the heart of The Velvet Chapel’s ethos. From pioneering experimental rock in The Velvet Underground to shaping the sounds of punk, alternative, and beyond, Cale’s roots in this valley are a reminder of how big ideas can grow from small places.

The Velvet Chapel honours that legacy — not by looking backwards, but by inspiring new generations of artists to experiment, collaborate, and innovate.

More than an art space

The Velvet Chapel is more than just exhibitions and performances. It’s a living, evolving creative hub offering:

  • Pop-art inspired exhibitions
  • Immersive audio-visual projects
  • Psychedelic podcasts and films
  • Limited-edition artworks and digital collectibles

And if you want to experience it all fully, you can download audio from The Velvet Chapel’s app — adding another layer to your visit.

 

Visit the Velvet Chapel

Whether you’re an artist, a music lover, or just curious, The Velvet Chapel is open to all. Step inside and find a space where the past, present, and future of Glanaman and Garnant’s creativity collide.

Location: Bryn-Lloi Road, Glanaman, SA18 1EQ
 Website: velvetchapel.com
 Instagram: @thevelvetchapel
Facebook: @lifesavingdistractions

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A road sign pointing towards Garnant and Glanaman, set against a backdrop of dense green foliage. The weathered sign shows signs of age, blending into the natural surroundings of this leafy part of Carmarthenshire.
Close-up of a bronze relief sculpture depicting a miner working underground, wearing a helmet with a headlamp and holding a tool. The detailed texture captures the tough and confined conditions of coal mining, with additional scenes of community life and figures visible in the background.