MORE INFORMATION ON SELF GUIDED TOUR

Our self guided tour starts with a video presentation which shows two very different methods of extraction of slate. The first method is open quarrying which is well illustrated by Alfred Mcalpine Slate's quarry at Penrhyn, Bethesda. The video explains how the slate is won by drilling numerous holes and the filling them with black powder and then blasting .Large blocks of slate are then taken down to the mill for processing.
The second method shown is Wincilate's Aberllefenni mine. This is a far smaller operation but involves a far more efficient less wasteful method of extraction. Here the block is won by chain and wire sawing the slate in situ..
The video shows numerous different applications of slate showing just how versatile the material is. These include cills copings cladding flooring and kitchen work tops. After the video presentation a taped commentary on a walk lets you wander at your own pace through the workshops. You can see the machines in action and watch craftsmen at work.
Our Historical Letter cutting and Calligraphy exhibitions also form part of the tour. Why not have a go at calligraphy or try engraving on slate in our Letter cutting studio. Children can enter our quiz and win a slate prize.

PRODUCTS MADE AT INIGO JONES SLATEWORKS.

(click on image to enlarge - large files)

WELSH SLATE AT ITS BEST
Inigo Jones Slateworks prefabricates numerous products from natural welsh slate. The main products fall into three main categories namely architectural, monumental and craft.

ARCHITECTURAL
Architectural products are made to order and include such things as hearths, cills, copings, steps, flooring, cladding, tops, skirting , treads and risers. The slate is cut to size and polished where seen.
Maximum sizes available are 1.800 x 1.000 in the following thicknesses 12mm, 20mm, 25mm, 32mm. 38mm, 50mm and 75mm. As slate does not warp or shrink it is ideally suited for all the above applications.

The company also specialises in supplying slate nameplates which are made to order. These can sometimes be supplied within 3 days so that visitors who order them at the beginning of their holiday can collect them before they leave. The company supply over 1000 nameplates every year and can arrange to post them anywhere in the world. A mail order form is available on request.

Slate plaques can also be made to order. The company is currently supplying the National Heritage Lottery Board with slate plaques for buildings that have received Lottery grants. Quotations can be given for any plaques which can be supplied at short notice especially for the opening of new buildings or to commemorate any special occasion.

MONUMENTAL
Monumental products include full size memorials to small cremation plaques. Inigo Jones specialise in slate but can also supply granite as well. Memorials are fixed in the locality or can be supplied ready for fixing elsewhere by a
recognised memorial mason.

CRAFT
Craft products include such items as plaques, ashtrays, clocks, barometers, egg timers, chessboards and chessmen, shove hapenny boards, letter racks and coasters. All these products are displayed in the company's showroom which visitors can enter free of charge with no obligation. The company also sell books, candles and pottery made by local craftsmen.

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