Historical information

Slate has been used for hundreds of years as a base for writing and many young students began their schooling using one to practise their writing. They had many advantages among them the fact that they were reusable and errors could be erased and corrected. A small duster or cloth was often attached for cleaning.

Significance

This is an example of a typical school slate and as such has representative and historic value.Many older people would identify it as an object from their own school days.

Physical description

Rectangular black slate, bordered with timber, which is painted green, darker on one side than the other. The lighter side has the alphabet engraved down either side and animals on the top and bottom. The reverse has numbers 1-10 at the top and also animals. engraved. There is a red felt tie at the top , threaded through a hole in the wood.

Inscriptions & markings

The lighter side has the alphabet engraved down either side and animals on the top and bottom. The reverse has numbers 1-10 at the top and also animals engraved. Made In Portugal trade mark.