We are delighted to announce that we have recently achieved practical completion of our Clay Works building works, which have created a wonderful new gallery for changing exhibitions and an activity/learning space at Wheal Martyn.

The work, which included restoration to some of the roofs of the historic buildings at Wheal Martyn and other preservation works, was carried out by Heritage Cornwall Ltd of Bodmin. This marks a key milestone for the museum, achieving the first phase of our ambitious masterplan aimed at making Wheal Martyn a hub for our community and a place for everyone to be inspired, recharge, and immerse themselves in our outstanding mining heritage.

  

The creation of these two new spaces, including the conversion of a disused building and the creation of a new extension, is a major part of a four year project funded by The National Lottery Heritage Fund, Arts Council England, The Garfield Weston Foundation, The Foyle Foundation, The Wolfson Foundation, The Pilgrim Trust, Imerys Minerals Ltd., Pennon Environmental Fund, Cornwall Heritage Trust, The Hobson Charity and support from Cornwall Council. 

Our thanks also go to Poynton Bradbury Wynter Cole Architects Ltd, Mildred Howells & Co. MBA Consulting and Hoare Lea.

The wider project involves volunteering, engagement and family activity programmes including opportunities for people to learn new skills, enhance their health and wellbeing and create memories.

  

Unfortunately the pandemic prevents us from sharing these facilities with you right now, but we very much look forward to doing so as soon as possible.  As well as the new spaces, we have created an accessible route through the main historic building for the first time, and installed new displays on the drying and transport of china clay, researched by our volunteers. We are confident that these will make a visit to Wheal Martyn even better for visitors, schools and our communities.

We can’t wait to share our first exhibition Clay Country, by artist Kurt Jackson, with you in the spring and as soon as we are able, welcome families, schools and other groups to get hands-on and creative in the new facilities! Watch this space.