Quarrymen at Work — Talks and Demonstrations - National Slate Museum
Every day there are an array of walks, talks and demonstrations on offer at the National Slate Museum giving you as real insight into quarry life and enhancing the enjoyment of your visit.
Slate-splitting demonstrations by craftsmen reveal the skills and artistry of generations of quarry workers. Marvel at the amazing craft of splitting and dressing the slate, as one of our experienced craftsmen slice the slate in front of your eyes.
As well as deftly splitting slate our craftsmen also create works of art out of the stone, from ordinary circles to hearts, picture frames and intricate slate fans.
Get a proper introduction to UNA, our Hunslet engine, or watch the blacksmith create wrought iron dragons and talk about his craft.
There are over 2,000 wooden patterns in the museum collection.
The pattern makers could produce a pattern for any metal object needed by the workshops cogs, parts for steam engines, even the bell on the clock above the gateway to the workshops.
In a long term project, the patterns are all being cleaned, catalogued and cared for, and you can learn more from our Curator in these special behind the scenes sessions in the pattern loft stores.
Our carpenter can take you on a ½ hour tour to see the wood trail and how important wood was in the working of the site, or you can see the only working slate carrying incline in the UK in action, during our Vivian Incline demonstrations .
Get a perspective on the museum site with the Vivian Quarry walking tour, an accompanied walk to the nearby Vivian quarry incline and surrounding area.
For more information on dates and bookings, visit What's On, or contact the museum for details.
