National Screen and Sound Archive of Wales preserves and celebrates the sound and moving image heritage of Wales, making it accessible to a wide range of users for enjoyment and learning. Its film collection reflects every aspect of the nation’s social, cultural and working life across the 20th century, giving a fascinating insight into Welsh filmmaking, both amateur and professional.
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Mr Bealing's Wales II - slate quarrying, Llanberis
The road from Southampton to Snowdonia was well trodden by Frank and Nancy Bealing who enjoyed holidaying amongst the mountains and lakes.
From the collection of:
Overview
Snowdonia – a far cry from Southampton where Frank Bealing ran a nursery supplying ocean liners with flowers. At leisure, Frank and his wife Nancy visited north Wales – with Frank's camera - as often as possible. Here he records a visit to Dinorwic Quarry, Llanberis, operating with a fraction of the men it would have employed in its heyday, and captures scenic shots of the area. Their big-eared little dog also features, sitting on a rock – king of their hearts if not the castle!
Bealing's Nursery was established by Frank's father in 1889 and continued until 1964. Frank began filming in the late 1930s, using a 16mm Bolex to chronicle local scenes, shipping, events and family holidays. His last films covered the demise of his business in 1964, at which point he put away his camera for good. The bulk of his films are held by the Wessex Film and Sound Archive, Winchester, Hampshire. As seen here, he captured some good shots of Dinorwic Quarry - clearly he and other members of his party were very interested in the operation and had been permitted guided access.
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