ONE of the Welsh capital’s best known landmarks was made from ornate red terracotta supplied by a firm near Wrexham, it has been revealed.

The iconic Grade 1 listed Pierhead building in Cardiff Bay – which is being re-launched on Monday following extensive refurbishment – was built with terracotta and red brick from JC Edwards of Ruabon in 1896.

The 113-year-old jewel on the National Assembly’s estate has been transformed into an interactive events and visitor centre, and one exhibition entitled The Story of the Pierhead offers visitors an insight into the links with the Ruabon firm.

The exhibition describes JC Edwards as ‘one of the most successful producers of terracotta in the world’, and refers to Ruabon as Terracottapolis.

It also includes artefacts provided by Wrexham Museum including a finial – an original piece of carved terracotta traditionally used to decorate the top of iconic building towers and walls.

Links with JC Edwards were confirmed when the Denbighshire Record Office produced an original company catalogue from 1905, clearly showing dealings with the Pierhead over 100 years ago.

Ami Zienkiewicz, a Pierhead researcher said: “JC Edwards has been referred to as the most successful producer of terracotta in the world; exporting tiles all over the globe and at one point involving some 2,000 people in the Wrexham area.

"These clear links made it only right that we should include the terracotta aspect in the exhibition space, so that the people of Wales can enjoy the building and learn about its history.”

Steve Grenter, heritage services manager for Wrexham Museum said: “I am very pleased that the finial is on display in our nation’s capital.”