Blue John (1963)

Castleton, Derbyshire. The Harrison family have mined near Castleton for 200 years, but not for coal. They mine Blue John, a stone used for ornaments and jewels, named from the French bleu-jaune, after its yellow blue colouring. L/S of a valley in Derbyshire. M/S three people with mining helmets make their way to the mine entrance at Treak Cliff Cavern. Inside they show where the seam of shining stone is revealed. They use chisels to break away pieces of rock. One of the team is a girl. They bring a bucket of rocket out to the surface and examine it in the daylight. There are shots of various pieces of Blue John ware, including a £1000 vase. There are more example of ornaments and jewellery in the shop and one of the family is seen working at a lathe, making a small jar. Note: There are some brochures in the documentation file. See also CP 419 Cuts. FILM ID:211.02 FOR LICENSING ENQUIRIES VISIT http://www.britishpathe.com/