National Screen and Sound Archive of Wales preserves and celebrates the sound and moving image heritage of Wales, making it accessible to a wide range of users for enjoyment and learning. Its film collection reflects every aspect of the nation’s social, cultural and working life across the 20th century, giving a fascinating insight into Welsh filmmaking, both amateur and professional.
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Steel - the world's most important metal
Mighty machines are seen here at the works of the Ebbw Vale Steel, Iron and Coal Company Ltd, like the Bessemer Converters which can hold 1,000 tonnes of molten iron.
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Overview
An advertising film made by or for the Ebbw Vale Steel, Iron and Coal Company Limited. The footage, which details how iron ore is converted into steel and includes striking shots of the giant Bessemer Converters at the "blow" stage, is accompanied by inter-titles, many of which are tri-lingual (English, French and Greek). An electricity generating station, producing a massive 30,000 horse power, fuels the mighty machines at the works.
The Ebbw Vale Steel, Iron and Coal Company Limited was taken over by Richard Thomas and Co. in 1936. In 1948 Richard Thomas and Co. amalgamated with Baldwins to create Richard Thomas and Baldwins Limited.
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