Timeline

Heritage classified

Key figures

Origin and history

The Decazeville Mining Relief Society, built in the first half of the 20th century, is an architectural and artistic testimony related to the industrial history of the region. The building, whose board room dates back to the 1920s, houses an exceptional painted decoration made directly on the walls. These oiled frescoes celebrate the local mining heritage and illustrate emblematic scenes such as accidents, discoveries and mutualist values.

The murals are the work of Auguste Equeter, a Belgian painter who made them during the 1940 exodus. Among the most notable works are foresight, union, mutuality, solidarity (central sign), the gossip (representing a mine gallery devastated by an explosion), and La découverte (referring to France's first open pit exploitation in 1892). These frescoes, classified as Historic Monument since 2013, highlight the social and economic importance of the mining industry in the Decazeville Basin.

The site, originally dedicated to relief and solidarity between minors, is now converted into a health centre under the name FILIERIS. The council hall, with its painted decor, remains protected and bears witness to the region's industrial and artistic heritage. Its address, 10 Cayrade Street, and its status as public property make it an accessible place, although its GPS location is considered poor (level 5/10).

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