Samples of Fyfestone with Granite Finish
ManufacturerManufactured by
John Fyfe Ltd
AssociatedAssociated with
Kemnay Quarry, Paradise Hill
(founded 1830)
Datec. 1960
Object NameSample
Mediumfyfestone (granite aggregate)
ClassificationsGranite Industry
Dimensions5 x 32.6 x 17.5cm
AcquisitionTransferred in 2011 from Aberdeen City Archives.
LocationView by Appointment - Aberdeen Treasure Hub
Object numberABDMS087757
About MeBrown cardboard box containing eight samples of Fyfestone.Brown cardboard box (stapled at the corners) with hinged top lid. The lid has a large white adhesive label reading "SAMPLES OF / FYFESTONE / FROM / JOHN FYFE LTD. / Whitemyres Avenue, Mastrick, / ABERDEEN". The inside of the lid has a smaller typed and printed label reading "GRANITE FINISH / Mixed Grey Red / P3 P38 G5 (grouped under mixed grey) B6 (under red) / MIXED BROWN / JOHN FYFE LIMITED /WHITEMYRES AVENUE / MASTRICK, ABERDEEN AB9 1XP / Phone ABERDEEN 491331".
Inside the box are eight roughly square samples of reconstituted stone. The samples are different colours, various shades of grey and red/pink. The blocks are roughly edged but most of the blocks have a side with a regular pattern indented into it (presumably from the manufacturing process).
Fyfestone is a reconstituted stone split block, made to closely resemble natural stone. It was introduced in 1957 by John Fyfe Ltd under the chairmanship of Andrew Mutch and produced at Kemnay Quarry. It was an instant success and widely specified throughout the UK - the name is now synonymous with reconstructed stone everywhere. Its success was due in part due to being cheaper than natural stone, at a time when it was still considered important to preserve the feel of architecture and cityscapes based around natural stone. It can be seen throughout Aberdeen, particularly in Council built properties.
Fyfestone is still produced by Aggregate Industries, who in 2011 own and operate Kemnay Quarry.
Exhibitions
George Cassie & Son Ltd
George Cassie & Son Ltd
