Press Releases

Unveiling "Miner - Votty"

A painting detailing the inside of a weighing hut at one of Wales' most important slate quarries is to be shown to the public for the first time at Canolfan Maenofferen Centre, Blaenau Ffestiniog this week.

This fascinating and detailed work was completed in 1962 by David Davies and portrays the hut at Foty Quarry, high above Blaenau Ffestiniog.

"A few months ago, the National Museums & Galleries of Wales purchased the painting "Miner - Votty" by David Davies for the Welsh Slate Museum at Llanberis. The picture was painted in 1962, and has never, as far as we aware, been put on public display." said Dr Dafydd Roberts, Keeper of the Welsh Slate Museum Llanberis.

"Appropriately, the first public display will be at Blaenau Ffestiniog. We are extremely grateful to Gwynedd Council's Library and Information Service for allowing us to use the Gallery at the Maenofferen Centre.

"We need to discover more about the painting and the artist and would be delighted if people could let us know of any interesting information."

Also on display will be the Welsh Slate Museum's "Car Gwyllt" - the incline rider used to descend the inclines by the men working at the Graig Ddu Quarry, Blaenau Ffestiniog. Other items of interest from the Museum's collection will also be on show including a "Ticad talu" for the Maenofferen Quarry (payment card) and an Oakeley Quarries rule book dating from 1945.

Admiring the painting at a recent visit to the Welsh Slate Museum, Welsh Assembly Government Culture, Welsh Language and Sports Minister, Alun Pugh, said:

"This picture is a realistic portrayal of life in the slate industry in North West Wales. I'm pleased that the local people will get the opportunity to enjoy this picture as well as seeing other mementoes from the slate industry to help them learn more about the industry that played such a vital role in their community."

The "Miner - Votty" painting is on show alongside work by the artist Pip Knight-Jones who has an exhibition of work, arranged by Gwynedd Council, to coincide with the publication of her book Aspects of Welsh Slate. The book is published by Gwasg Carreg Gwalch.

The exhibition will be opened on Tuesday, September 14th 2004 at 7pm at the Canolfan Maenofferen Centre, Blaenau Ffestiniog. The exhibition can be seen from 16 September - 23 October 2004.

The Welsh Slate Museum is one of the National Museums & Galleries of Wales' six sites across Wales. Entry to all sites is free of charge, thanks to the support of the Welsh Assembly Government.