We caught up with Prentice Wilkinson-Weir of Honister Slate Mine to learn about the ancient heritage craft of slate working...

Slate working at Honister Slate Mine involves the extraction and processing of high-quality slate that has been used for roofing, flooring, and even decorative pieces for generations. Honister is unique in that it is one of the last working slate mines in the UK, and it remains a major producer of slate roofing materials. The slate is hand-mined, split (Riven), and cut into a range of products, including roofing slates, flooring tiles, and bespoke items. The craftsmanship at Honister remains traditional, with skilled workers using both time-honoured techniques and modern technology to produce slate products.

Honister is actively involved in ensuring that the skill of slate working is passed down to the next generation in several ways:

• In-house training programmes: Honister offers on-the-job training for young people interested in slate mining and working with slate. These roles are designed to teach the full range of skills, from mining and riving slate to cutting and finishing the stone.
• Heritage projects and collaborative learning: Honister regularly hosts education programmes and workshops that allow young people to engage with slate working. By collaborating with local schools, universities, and community groups, the mine helps foster an interest in traditional crafts. Visitors, including school groups, can experience the heritage of slate mining through guided tours, demonstrations, and hands-on activities.
• Intergenerational knowledge transfer: much of the knowledge of slate working at Honister is passed down through mentorship. Experienced workers share their expertise with younger apprentices, ensuring that valuable techniques, such as how to read the grain of slate and split it efficiently, are maintained. This process also helps maintain the unique craftsmanship associated with Honister slate.
• Tourism and public engagement: as a popular tourist destination, Honister Slate Mine also educates the public about the importance of the slate industry. The mine offers interactive tours where visitors can watch demonstrations of slate splitting, mining, and finishing. These tours help raise awareness about the skill involved in slate working, which in turn fosters respect and interest in the craft.

• Declining demand for traditional slate: as with many heritage crafts, there is a challenge in maintaining a steady market for traditional slate products. Modern construction materials like asphalt shingles and synthetic roofing tiles are more cost-effective and easier to install, leading to a decline in demand for slate roofing, especially in the mass market. This makes it harder for slate working to thrive without continued promotion and niche markets for high-quality slate.
• Aging workforce: the skilled slate workers at Honister have accumulated decades of experience but many are reaching retirement age. The mine faces the challenge of replacing an aging workforce with younger workers who are interested in continuing the craft. Slate working is physically demanding and requires years of experience, meaning that without a fresh generation of skilled workers, there’s a risk of knowledge loss.
• High costs and market competition: mining slate and producing high-quality slate products are costly endeavours. modern quarrying techniques and mass production methods often make it difficult for artisanal operations like Honister to compete with cheaper alternatives. The price of slate, especially when handcrafted, can be a barrier for some customers, despite its durability and environmental benefits.
• Attracting young people to the craft: there is often a lack of awareness among younger generations about the value and opportunities in heritage crafts like slate working. With the rise of digital and high-tech industries, young people may not see slate working as a viable career option, especially when it is perceived as a physically demanding, old-fashioned profession.

In conclusion, Honister Slate Mine plays a crucial role in both preserving the heritage of slate working in the Lake District and maintaining the unique craftsmanship associated with the region’s slate industry. By tackling the challenges head-on and embracing both traditional and modern approaches, Honister can continue to be a centre for slate working, ensuring that the craft remains an important part of the Lake District’s cultural and economic landscape for future generations.