Slate Tablet Unveiled: A WWII National Gallery Time Capsule

A slate tablet, originating from North Wales, has been inaugurated at the National Gallery to commemorate the Manod Quarry. During World War II, this quarry served as a sanctuary, safeguarding many of the British national collection's most valuable works.

A Tribute in Stone

The slate tablet bears an inscription in both Welsh and English: "This slate comes from Manod Quarry, North Wales, where paintings from the National Gallery were protected during the Second World War".

The Creators Behind the Tablet

The Manod Slate Tablet is the creation of artist Jeremy Deller, with the design and engraving executed by master stonemason John Neilson. Mostyn, a contemporary art center in Llandudno, commissioned the piece with support from CELF, the national network for contemporary art in Wales.

The Triumph of Art: A Bicentennial Gift

The tablet was gifted to the National Gallery as part of The Triumph of Art, a nationwide art project concluding the National Gallery's Bicentennial celebrations (2024–2025). It is now permanently displayed in the Portico Vestibule of the National Gallery.

Juxtaposition of Art and History

The tablet's location near Boris Anrep's mosaic depicting Winston Churchill creates a visual and symbolic dialogue between art, memory, and history.

In May 1940, as Europe faced collapse and the invasion of Britain seemed imminent, safeguarding the national collection became critical. Evacuating the artworks to Canada was considered. However, the threat of German submarine attacks led National Gallery Director Kenneth Clark to consult Prime Minister Winston Churchill.

Churchill dismissed the idea. The Manod slate mine emerged as the ideal solution.

The Manod Quarry Solution

The entrance was enlarged to accommodate larger artworks, and protective structures were built inside the caverns to ensure stable temperature and humidity. By the summer of 1941, the entire collection was safely housed in its underground refuge, where it remained until 1945.

Impact on Art Conservation

The experience profoundly influenced post-war conservation practices, leading to the introduction of air conditioning and enhanced scientific and conservation methods at the National Gallery.

The Manod Slate Tablet stands as a legacy of The Triumph of Art, a project involving artists, institutions, and young people, including a collaboration with Welsh theater company Frân Wen, resulting in performances and narratives inspired by the sites that protected the paintings during the war.

Director's Perspective

Sir Gabriele Finaldi, director of the National Gallery, emphasized that the tablet "reminds us of the crucial moment when, during the conflict, the nation's artworks were hidden in the caves of the North Wales slate hills to be preserved for future generations".

It is a small, powerful object that gives voice to an extraordinary episode of heritage protection, reinforcing a universal principle: even in the darkest moments, art must be protected because it safeguards the memory and future of a community.

"Hide them in caves and cellars, but not one picture shall leave this island." kata Winston Churchill, 1940.

Key Figures in the National Gallery's WWII Protection Plan

Here's a summary of the key figures involved in the effort to protect the National Gallery's collection during World War II:

The Manod Quarry: A Timeline of Events

Here's a timeline of the key events related to the National Gallery's collection and the Manod Quarry during World War II:

Locations Involved

The protection plan spanned across several locations:

The "Triumph of Art" Project

More about the "Triumph of Art" Project:

Conservation Measures Implemented

Key conservation measures enacted during World War II:

The slate tablet serves as a reminder of a critical moment in history, honoring those who worked to protect artistic heritage during times of conflict.

The Tablet's Permanent Home

The Manod Slate Tablet is permanently located in the Portico Vestibule inside the National Gallery.