China Clay History Society

Established in 2001, the China Clay History Society is an integral part of Wheal Martyn. It was formed to stimulate interest in the study of Cornwall and Devon’s china clay industry and of industries related to it, while helping to further the charitable objects of Wheal Martyn Trust. Since 2001, membership has grown to nearly 250.

The Society organises walks, talks, field trips and film shows, produces a newsletter three times a year containing articles on the history of the industry, responds to research enquires, supports Wheal Martyn with research for exhibitions and oversees on behalf of the museum a substantial archive.

Recognition of our volunteers

The work of the China Clay History Society is only possible as a result of the significant effort by its volunteers over the last 20 years.  This was recognised in June 2019, when they were awarded The Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service – the highest award given to local volunteer groups across the UK to recognise outstanding work in their own communities - the MBE for volunteer groups.  This is wonderful recognition for our group of volunteers, who now number over 20. They are tireless in their work on the archive and in running the activities of the Society.

A brief history

In recognition of the importance of the china clay industry, the Society was formed in 2001 by its founder Chairman, Derek Giles (retired in 2015), along with a small group of volunteers. Its purpose was to ensure that the substantial archives of material which existed within Cornwall’s china clay mining companies were successfully preserved, recorded and made accessible for study.              

Derek worked in the industry for most of his life, and for several years as Group Financial Controller of English China Clays Ltd. It is thanks to Derek’s passion, determination and foresight that this vast archive has been successfully collected, having successfully rescued the contents of numerous offices and facilities within the industry as they have closed or been rationalised, as well as searching out and securing important collections from individual donors.

Getting involved

Several members of the Society meet on Wednesday and Friday mornings to carry out research, document and care for the archive and deal with public enquiries. They are pleased to welcome all those interested in the history of china clay – social, technical, religious, commercial and demographic. Enquiries are welcome from those wishing to research aspects of china clay history and from those wishing to volunteer time to work in the archive.

The Society is very pleased to help schools and individual students by supplying information or providing research facilities relating to the china clay industry.  It is also interested in acquiring material (written and photographic) relating to china clay extraction and the resulting change in lifestyles in the clay community. To get involved email the Society. 

Membership

Membership of the Society costs £15.00 (individual) or £20.00 (couples/families) per year and includes three printed newsletters. To become a member, please print and complete our membership application form and return to Wheal Martyn (address below) along with a cheque made payable to ‘China Clay History Society’.  Alternatively payment can be made annually by completing the standing order form and issuing it to your bank.

Committee

The society is managed by a committee of volunteers:

Contact

Telephone: 01726 850362

Email: [email protected]

Address: China Clay History Society, Wheal Martyn Clay Works, Wheal Martyn, Carthew, St Austell, Cornwall, PL26 8XG