Clee Hill to Cardiff Docks

Dhustone (dolerite) from Clee Hill was used in the construction of Cardiff Docks in the 1850's. Dhu is the Celtic word for black. When first quarried and split it reveals a lovely crystalline blue, but after a short period of exposure to the air it becomes much darker in colour.  Another colour, the 'Black Gold' of coal brought much wealth to Cardiff at that time, alongside the seedier but complementary additions of rowdy pubs, opium bars, gambling dens and a thriving red light district. These three colours, blue, black and red linked Clee Hill and Cardiff.  40W x 50H cm 2023