An exhibition inspired by Porthgain's disused granite quarry goes on display in Cardiff today (Tuesday).

Chwarel by Ruth Jones and Andrea Williams will be exhibited at the Howard Gardens Gallery, Cardiff, until this Saturday, February 20th.

It comprises of a film designed to evoke both the past and present uses of the quarry.

"The granite quarry is a fascinating site to work with because traces of its history are visible in the hewed rock and in the remains of the brick buildings that formed part of the working operation," said Ruth.

"Today, grass is growing over the rocks, and birds are nesting in the crevices created by the quarrying.

"The quarry is in between its past as an industrial site and its present as an ecological site and a place of leisure and curiosity."

One part of the film portrays the recreation of a 102 year-old photograph showing workers at the quarry.

An appeal in the Western Telegraph led to 70 volunteers dressed in clothes from the period helping to recreate the original photo over a weekend last September.

"Not only did they look amazing standing against the quarry walls, but while they walked the half mile journey round the coast path to the quarry from Porthgain, it was easy to imagine the daily experiences of the quarry workers as they walked to work all those years ago," said Ruth.

"A number of unsuspecting walkers from the present day who encountered them probably thought they had slipped back in time."

The story also lead to people contacting the artists to give information about family members in the original photo. One woman saw the article while she was on holiday in Pembrokeshire from Leicestershire. She was the grand daughter of Mr. Crone, who was the manager of the quarry for over 30 years.

The official opening of Chwarel will take place this Thursday, February 18th from 6.30pm until 8pm.