TORFAEN Museum and Archive is lucky to be in the possession of the sketchbook by William Henry Greene, the nineteenth century reporter and journalist who wrote numerous articles for publications across Wales and the west of England.

Born in 1832, Mr Greene began his career as a journalist in his early 20s. From 1867 to 1874, beginning at the age of 35, Mr Greene also wrote for this very paper.

At times, Mr Greene would also write for outlets as far away as Bristol, Gloucester and Exeter.

With regards to the scrapbook itself, we can only let Mr Greene speak for himself: “Some of my old favourites – a treasure house of especial sweets with some of my very own verses and sketches with pen and pencil.”

In his time as an author, poet, and antiquary, he was passionately devoted to natural history.

Of particular interest to the museum at the moment are the sketches in the book of local canals; as from September, Torfaen Museum will be holding an exhibition of images of our local canals.

If anyone is interested in finding out more about the scrapbook, they can visit the museum or for further research please see Newport Past website for more information about Mr Greene.

This article has been researched and written by museum volunteer, Lewis Griffiths.