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.
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