Graffiti Rocks: How Duran Duran Left Their Mark on South Wales

In the article “Hot snogs, fizz-fuelled City boys and a hilltop homage to Duran Duran: 10 photos that capture the 1980s,” photographer John Davies shares his experience of discovering graffiti in 1984, which paid tribute to Duran Duran.

During his visit to Penallta Rocks in Ystrad Mynach, South Wales, while documenting the impact of the coal-mining industry, he climbed a high rock outcrop for a broader landscape shot. Upon reaching the top, Davies found the phrase “Duran Duran” painted in white gloss, likely by a fan named Kate.

This surprise homage to the band, in such an industrial and remote setting, symbolized the cultural influence Duran Duran’s music videos had at the time.

Fun fact: The album cover for Duran Duran’s Seven and the Ragged Tiger was photographed on the steps of the State Library of New South Wales. 

What is Penallta Rocks?

Penallta Rocks is a rock outcrop located near Ystrad Mynach, in the South Wales Valleys. It is a natural feature in the landscape, situated on the edge of the village and offering a vantage point with views over the surrounding area. Penallta Rocks itself is about 20 meters high, with one side of the outcrop sloping gently and the other having a sheer drop. This site became notable in 1984 when it was photographed by John Davies as part of his Valleys Project, which focused on documenting the industrial and cultural landscape of South Wales.

Who is John Davies

John Davies is a renowned British photographer, known for his documentary work, particularly focused on landscape and industrial photography. He is widely recognized for his ability to capture the complex interplay between human life, industry, and the natural environment. Davies’ most famous body of work is The Valleys Project, which he began in the early 1980s. This project was a photographic exploration of the South Wales Valleys, a region historically dominated by coal mining and heavy industry. Through his lens, Davies documented the impact of industrialization on the landscape and its people, capturing both the beauty and the harshness of the region. His photographs convey a sense of place and identity, capturing the fading industrial landscape as well as moments of cultural significance.

His work is often noted for its social commentary, with a focus on environmental changes, the decline of traditional industries, and the shifting social dynamics of post-industrial Britain. John Davies’ photography has been exhibited widely and is regarded as a key contribution to British photography, particularly in its portrayal of the changing socio-economic landscape of the UK during the late 20th century.

UK Duranies, be sure to catch Duran Duran’s summer 2025 shows in Devon and Essex!