A new exhibition at the Gwynedd Museum and Art Gallery in Bangor sheds light on fascinating pieces of carved slate created by Dyffryn Ogwen quarrymen in the first half of the 19th century
Until relatively recently, little was known about these historical carved slates. But, after a slate hearth surround was donated to the Gwynedd Museum and Art Gallery in 1977, research was carried out by Llandygai and Llanllechid Archaeological Society – and hundreds of slates were discovered in the homes and gardens of quarrymen from across Dyffryn Ogwen.
Indeed, local historian, Gwenno Caffell from Tregarth carefully recorded these slates, with assistance, and published a book about them. Some of the slates can still be found in homes in the area, whilst others have been used in gardens and fields or simply thrown away.
Esther Roberts, Gwynedd Museum and Art Gallery Curator said:
“We are very excited that the Gwynedd Museum and Art Gallery, Bangor will be showing some of these carved slates – they are an unique part of the history of this particular area.
“The carvings which were designed and carved by quarrymen were created between 1832 and 1845 and most are found in Dyffryn Ogwen, or in the homes of quarrymen who worked at the Penrhyn Quarry in Bethesda.
“They range greatly in style, from the geometric use of concentric circles, to ‘sampler’ patterns to elaborate freehand scores of music. The exhibition is therefore a great opportunity to see the various carved slates and to learn more about their history.”
Birds, flowers, wine glasses, boats, people, music, shell patterns, reindeer, houses, clocks are just some of the depictions recognised in these slate hearths. Each of them give a glimpse of what life was like in the period and what things the quarrymen valued and enjoyed. Whilst most of the carved slates found to date are fire surrounds, there are some long thin slates which were used to put under dressers. There are also smaller carved decorative objects such as the slate fans and decorated miniature furniture.
Do you have a carved slate hearth, or perhaps an historical carved decorative object in your home? Maybe you have a donation box, a fan, letter opener or decorated door stop? In Gwenno Caffell’s memory, the Friends of the Gwynedd Museum and Art Gallery intend to create a website dedicated to these carved slates. They would welcome your additions to the catalogue – please leave any photographs and information at the Gwynedd Museum and Art Gallery, Bangor or by emailing: [email protected]
The exhibition will run until 16 October 2010.
The Gwynedd Museum and Gallery is open Tuesday-Friday, 12.30pm-4.30pm; Saturday 10.30am-4.30pm. Admission is free.
For more information about all the activities on offer at Gwynedd Council-run museums, visit the website www.gwynedd.gov.uk/museums
