Pupils from Ysgol Maenofferen and Ysgol Eifion Wyn in Gwynedd have worked with artist Eleri Jones and staff of Gwynedd Council’s Archive Service to prepare striking and creative artwork on the theme of slate.

Year 5 and 6 pupils had the opportunity to learn more about the historical and cultural importance of the quarrying landscape in north-west Wales and the proposed World Heritage Site nomination. A quiz was had and the pupils listened to an interesting talk about the slate industry and its significance in their area by the Schools Archive Service.

They were then given the opportunity to transfer this information into a visual and creative format with the help of the artist Eleri Jones.

The pupils had a great time creating pieces of artwork that convey the history and heritage of the slate industry in an effective and striking way. Old photographs and documents from the archives were used to provide inspiration for the creation of printing plates, which were printed on paper, fabric and on banners.

Cllr Gareth Thomas, Gwynedd Council’s Cabinet member for economic development, said: “Schemes such as the LleCHI Project are extremely important in giving young people in Gwynedd the opportunity to learn more about their heritage and to get the sense of ownership over that heritage. It is also great to see the young people of the county having the opportunity to play an important and active role in the World Heritage Site nomination for the slate landscape of north-west Wales.

“We know the historical and cultural importance of the quarries here in north Wales, and securing a World Heritage Site designation would give a huge boost to the continuing efforts to regenerate the slate communities of Gwynedd.”

Each school began the artwork by using coloured ink and chalk to create the slate colour associated with their area. For example, the colour blue for Blaenau Ffestiniog and green/blue/purple for the Llanberis area. Pupils from Ysgol Eifion Wyn, Porthmadog painted boats and Ysgol Maenofferen pupils painted wagons and houses.

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