Photographs

The archive includes photographs covering a wide range of topics including clay folk, pastimes, clay villages, railways, road transport, clay pits, machinery and landscapes.

workers in the pit pan kiln archive photo

Latest

Apple-solutely Fun Activities

Enjoy a series of apple-themed activities this half term in celebration of Allantide, a Cornish festival celebrating the ‘first day of winter’ on 31 October.
People of the Industry breakfast

Treat yourself to a delicious full Cornish breakfast at Wheal Martyn where you’ll be joined by our knowledgeable volunteers who have worked in the china clay industry, before they lead you on a fascinating guided tour of the historic china clay works.
Life as a kettle boy

It was common to leave school and go straight into the china clay mining industry at 15 or 16 years old. Historically, the first role in the industry was kettle or tool boy. This involved running errands, warming pasties and making tea.
Classic Car Rally

Bring along your classic vehicle to display around the historic Wheal Martyn grounds or come along and enjoy the vehicles on show.

Prices

Pay once and get free entry all year!
Our museum

China clay mining has shaped the landscape, lives of people and economy of mid-Cornwall for over 250 years. It is Cornwall’s largest mining industry. A fully Accredited Museum, we are based within two Victorian china clay works, now a Scheduled Ancient Monument. We tell the story of this fascinating industry and the people who worked and lived in the shadows of Cornwall’s iconic ‘white pyramids’.
Buy an admission ticket

Buy your Wheal Martyn ticket online today. A full price ticket gives you free return visits for a whole year!
Why visit

Dig deep and discover the special ingredient in your everyday life that still shapes Cornwall and the world today…china clay! It hides in your toothpaste, your paper, your car tyres and even your cosmetics. It’s a billion pound, global industry. We are telling the story of Cornwall’s secret, and the people who brought it to you, from the heart of Clay Country.
Kurt Jackson: Clay Country

17 May - 5 September 2021
Join the team

See the roles we are seeking at Wheal Martyn, including volunteering opportunities.
Cafe

Open from 10am - 5pm, free to enter.
Opening times

Wheal Martyn is open 10am until 5pm daily.
Gift shop

Our gift shop is open 7 days a week, 10am - 5pm. Free to enter.
Find us

St Austell. Cornwall, PL26 8XG