Ynys y Pandy

[jlancasterd]

The remains of a 19th century slate mill in Cwm Pennant about 3 miles from where I live. Photo taken in the early 1960s before the site was 'conserved' and festooned with fences and 'interpretation' notices by the Welsh heritage quango.

M2, Summarit 50mm, Ilford HP3 - exposure details lost in the mists of time...

[jmr]

John,

a strong, graphic image. I like the somewhat compressed tonal range here.

[lykoudos]

Hi John,

A majestic building that boldly into the air lifts. Do me very well in this version. The motive and the outlook is impressive.

Greeting
Wolfgang

[stuny]

John -

I agree with the above comments and add that the toning is perfect for it.

[IMast]

Great photo John.

Would be interested to see a current version after your comments. CADW sure have weird ideas sometimes about what constitutes conservation!

[jlancasterd]

Originally Posted by IMast

Great photo John.

Would be interested to see a current version after your comments. CADW sure have weird ideas sometimes about what constitutes conservation!

Hi IMast

This is a more up-to date shot of the building. Most of the CADW 'interpretive' panels and modern safety barriers are actually inside the building - considerably detracting from the stark beauty of the internal structure - it was an early example of labour-saving design, with slate blocks going in by rail at 3rd floor level and the material descending floor by floor until finished roofing slate emerged at the bottom level. It was all driven by a waterwheel mounted transversely in the middle of the mill. The wheel pit is still there (hence the CADW barriers) but the wheel is long gone.

In the 1960s we didn't need interpretive panels because we did our own research into the history of the building, by reading the appropriate books. Nor were there any barriers - we just knew that we had to be careful when we went inside...

Ynys-y-Pandy-2.jpg

[roguewave]

John, a nice find. Obviously a subject of deep regard for you. This original serves as a reminder of the quality of air and space inside the image that many of us are trying to once again master with more modern techniques & tools. Lovely image.