Our collections

The collection at Wheal Martyn incorporates objects and archive material which tell the story of Cornwall’s china clay industry - a significant part of Cornwall’s industrial heritage. 

As the only china clay museum in Europe, and probably the world, our collections are important both nationally and internationally. Combined with our built heritage, they are a unique resource for the people of Cornwall, visitors and future generations.

Object collection

We hold a collection of objects comprising almost 10,000 accessioned items, including industry tools, scientific instruments and mining memorabilia.

The collection provides a focus for culture within Cornwall’s clay area; our objects represent different aspects of community life, such as bands, choirs and chapels, in addition to paintings of the landscape and key people of the industry.  Literature is also a theme, with objects relating to the renowned local poet Jack Clemo, who was deaf and blind, and whose work was inspired by the landscape of ‘clay country’.

We have a programme of ongoing conservation work, two recent examples – the restoration of a Mobile Crane and the Torycombe Signal Box can be seen on our projects page. 

Geology

Our grounds have important geological features, including a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). The granite here shows a state of kaolinisation usually only seen underground, at the bottom of a clay pit.

We also hold a collection of minerals, including some unusual and rare specimens. 

Did you know?

Some of the founding fathers of geology exercised their minds in china clay country and it helped them to develop some fundamental concepts in the subject.

Archive

We hold a substantial archive, most of which has been assembled since 2000 by the volunteers of the China Clay History Society. 

Our archive covers many subjects relating to china clay mining, its associated industries and communities: for example, transport, shipping, geology, local culture, land use, engineering, mineralogical research, and labour relations.

We have records from many former mining companies and individual collections - including about 400 document boxes, 2,000 maps, 400 aerial photographs, 100,000 photographs, 200 films and several hundred engineering drawings! The main body comprises the records of English China Clays Ltd. which was established in 1919 and was taken over by Imerys Minerals Ltd. in 2000. 

We are grateful to Imerys Minerals Ltd. for providing the archive’s current accommodation while we work to develop plans so that it can be moved to purpose-built facilities at Wheal Martyn.  We are also extremely grateful to the China Clay History Society volunteers, who facilitate research enquires and provide access to the general public by arrangement.

Below are just a few tasters of what the archive includes: