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  • our-collections
  1. Our work
  2. Our collections

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. pit captains

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:

Photographs

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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

Published: 20th February, 2020

Updated: 27th February, 2020

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Books and publications

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We hold copies of most of the books written on the china clay industry, together with many items on associated industries such as mining and railways. We also have an extensive collection of trade publications from the earliest china clay companies through to English China Clays Ltd. and Imerys Minerals Ltd.

books

Published: 20th February, 2020

Updated: 27th February, 2020

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Maps

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We have a large collection of Ordnance Survey maps, e.g. 1907 series 1:2500 sheets covering most of mid-Cornwall and North Cornwall and some sheets from West Cornwall and Devon; 1973 series 1:2500 covering most of mid-Cornwall and some of West Cornwall and Devon, and 1906 series 1:10560 covering most of mid- Cornwall and some of Devon.

We also have aerial photographs of the china clay area dating from 1948.

 map map

Published: 20th February, 2020

Updated: 27th February, 2020

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Documents

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These include leases or “Setts” to work for china clay (granted to the early china clay companies in the 19th century), engineering drawings, plans, correspondence and publications from English Clays Lovering Pochin (ECLP), English China Clays (ECC) and other clay companies. They have mostly been catalogued and it is possible to search for information on particular locations or topics.

sett sett

Published: 20th February, 2020

Updated: 27th February, 2020

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Showing 10 of 4

Latest

  • From pit to port: all aboard for a china clay experience with a difference!

    From pit to port: all aboard for a china clay experience with a difference!

    Experience Cornwall’s china clay heritage from a completely different perspective this Easter.

  • Shining a light on Cornwall’s everyday life

    Shining a light on Cornwall’s everyday life

    An intriguing exhibition is currently on display at Wheal Martyn Clay Works - ‘The Beautifully Mundane’ - which depicts the beauty of everyday life in Cornwall.

  • Clayworks Exhibition

    Clayworks Exhibition

    Jenny Beavan and Stuart Thorn have pursued many artistic connections linked to the china clay industry over the last 25 years. Clayworks is a festive celebration of some of their achievements. On display at Wheal Martyn from 17 April until 10 July 2023.

  • Clayworks Exhibition

    Clayworks Exhibition

    Jenny Beavan and Stuart Thorn have pursued many artistic connections linked to the china clay industry over the last 25 years. Clayworks is a festive celebration of some of their achievements. On display at Wheal Martyn from 17 April until 10 July 2023.

Most read

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  • Prices

    Prices

    Pay once and get free entry all year!

  • Kurt Jackson: Clay Country

    Kurt Jackson: Clay Country

    17 May - 5 September 2021

  • Our museum

    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’.

  • Why visit

    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.

  • Join the team

    Join the team

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

  • Cafe

    Cafe

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

  • Gift shop

    Gift shop

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

  • Find us

    Find us

    St Austell. Cornwall, PL26 8XG

  • Buy an admission ticket

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

Registered office
Wheal Martyn
St. Austell
Cornwall
PL26 8XG

01726 850362
[email protected]

Registered Charity No. 1001838

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