Photos from Caban
These pages feature a selection of photos from ''Caban''. This was the house magazine of the Oakeley and Votty slate quarries in Blaenau Ffestiniog and it appeared on a monthly basis until the early nineteen sixties. "Caban" was a unique institution and the work done by its photographers has produced some of the most enduring and evocative images ever taken of the slate industry.
Should
you have any copies of "Caban" and you wish them to
appear
on this site - please contact me.
The
image above is of the slate transhipment yard at Blaenau Ffestiniog North
station. In the background is one of the inclines leading up to Oakeley
Quarry.
A
battery powered locomotive being charged underground.
A
compressed air drill is being used here to reduce
a
slate slab to a manageable size.
The
diamond saw mill at Votty Quarry
This
is a view looking down one of the main inclines leading to the underground
workings at Oakeley. The track on the left can be seen leading off
to serve a level. Inclines like these were, of necessity, powered
and allowed the removal of blocks for processing and slate waste for tipping.
An
underground caban at Oakeley. These messrooms were often
located
in worked out chambers
Next page: "Caban" page 2