Swansea Copper Stories
Works Operation
The copper works had been operation over hundreds of years and was passed over from one generation to the next. Workers often had to make do with what was there by adapting and utilising old equipment. But it was also the site of many different technical innovations in the copper smelting industry and had to evolved over the years to overcome various challenges. During the first and second world wars there was considerable demand for copper for war time supplies. The site also ran the risk of being bombed as an important industrial target. The site focused predominantly on the production of copper sheets, though throughout the twentieth century this market declined considerably. This decline in demand had a tremendous impact on the operation of the site. This theme is about understanding how the site as a whole functioned, and how it responded to these various internal and external challenges.
How did the war affect Swansea's copper works?
Bill Ball started working at Swansea's Hafod Morfa Copperworks in 1942, he describes what effect the war had on his working experience.
Was security ever a problem?
Ted Beaumont talks about employing security guards and the potential for people to pilfer the copper on site in the 1970s.
Were there any changes in the works over time?
Ray gives his opinion on the biggest change in the copperworks.
Themes
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Do you have stories to share about your experiences of Hafod-Morfa copper works? Or would like to help? If so, please get in touch.