Learn more about the wild car here The shallow angle of the inclines at Graig Ddu quarry near Manod, Blaenau Ffestiniog provided a quick method for workmen from the quarry to get home. It is the only place where these wild cards were used The wild car was invented by the quarry’s blacksmith in the… Read more »

This is an example of a delicate piece The slate quarrymen prided themselves in their ability to handle slate and during their leisure hours they produced many beautiful and useful items. Many fireplaces in the quarrying districts feature ornate slate carvings. Ornaments such as the fan would have decorated the quarrymen’s home, and all of… Read more »

One of a set of three of the largest slates recorded, dated 1837. The originals are still in situ. The source of the astronomical data was John William Thomas (Arfonwyson) 1805-1840. Born at Rallt, Pentir, Arfonwyson was a mathematical genius whose astronomical drawings brought hum to the attention of the Astronomer Royal and led to… Read more »

These carvings were mostly made in the first half of the 19th century and were designed and carved by quarrymen. Most are found in Dyffryn Ogwen, or in the homes of quarrymen who worked at Penrhyn Quarry. They range greatly in style, from the use of concentric circles, so ‘sampler’ patterns to elaborate freehand scores… Read more »

What was the purpose of this pot, and who was Nanney Roberts? This cursing pot was found in October 1871 buried in an earth bank by a labourer who was removing an old fence on Penrhos Bradwen Farm, Penrhos, Holyhead. It consisted of a chipped black cup (or pipkin) which when buried had contained a… Read more »

Listen to the song “Cyfeillgarwch” composed by John Parry This carved slate is from the home of John Parry, musician who composed the song “Friendship”. It is believed that the music was carved, especially for his fireplace.

This is what was used in schools to teach children how to write In 1778, Thomas Pennant in his book “Tours in Wales” states that 136,000 writing slates were manufactured and exported from Port Penrhyn in twelve months. Bangor in 1880 had five producers of writing slate working within the city. The best documented is… Read more »

This is what the quarrymen used to carry their lunch to work This food box was a gift from Griffith John Williams (1854-1933), schoolmaster, assistant inspector of mines in North Wales and author of “Hanes Plwyf Ffestiniog” (1882). The box was transferred to the Museum of Welsh Antiquities in 1897. Boxes similar to this were… Read more »

What is the pattern on this slate disk? This thin slate disk engraved with triquetra knots is possibly from Aberglaslyn. Trial pieces were used for preliminary sketches of decorative motifs made by craftsmen who were experimenting with design and layout prior to executing them finally in metal or bronze. They may have been trying out… Read more »