Wheal Martyn Marks 50 Years as a Museum with Autumn Exhibition

The story of the UK’s only china clay museum is being uncovered in a new exhibition in Cornwall this autumn.

Wheal Martyn Clay Works, near St Austell, is marking 50 years as a museum, celebrating its journey of preserving industrial archaeology and keeping the history of china clay mining alive.

A Half Century of Heritage

To mark the milestone, the exhibition 50 Years of Wheal Martyn will open in the Roger Preston Gallery from Friday 5th September. Visitors will be able to trace the story of the museum’s beginnings, from its opening in 1975 through to its present-day role as a fully accredited museum.

The exhibition includes historic images, records and memories charting why Wheal Martyn was chosen, who played key roles in its creation and how it has adapted through five decades of change.

From initial sponsorship and financial support from English China Clays, to learning how to fundraise and navigate challenges such as Covid-19, the display reveals the highs, lows and resilience that have shaped Wheal Martyn.

📷The 35 foot waterwheel lay disused and forgotten for nearly 40 years until it was unintentionally re-discovered at Wheal Martyn and restored to working order. The wheel was made in Charlestown Foundry in the 1880s and was originally used to operate the plunger pump at Wheal Martyn pit. It is currently the largest working waterwheel in Cornwall.

Preserving the Past, Inspiring the Future

Wheal Martyn’s Managing Director, Colin Vallance, said:

“We are excited to be sharing the story of Wheal Martyn as a museum and are proud to be marking our 50th anniversary with this insight into the museum’s journey.

A lot has changed in 50 years. However, preserving the historic buildings, much of which are now designated a Scheduled Ancient Monument, museum collection, and archive relating to the china clay industry, remains the foundation of our work as a charity, whilst at the heart of our vision is sharing this global story with our community and visitors, helping to inspire future generations.

Today a fully accredited museum, Wheal Martyn offers a wide range of activities including changing exhibitions, monthly memory cafe, arts for health group, home education sessions, family activities, creative workshops, speak Cornish mornings, monthly music evenings and volunteering opportunities, and it is open all year round. None of this would be possible without the significant support of volunteers, many of whom are members of the China Clay History Society.

We invite you to come and celebrate Wheal Martyn’s journey through the last 50 years, whilst also unearthing the bigger picture of maintaining and keeping this historic site and museum open for all to enjoy.”

📷“50p seemed a high entrance fee. It proved not to be. Well worth it.” – a review from a visitor in 1975.

A Story Worth Discovering

The exhibition runs from Friday 5th September until Tuesday 23rd December, with entry included in the general admission fee.

Wheal Martyn describes the display as offering “the good hallmarks of a great story – an interesting past, a mixture of goodwill, passion and hard work, many highs and lows and a few unexpected challenges along the way.”

📷Today a fully accredited museum, Wheal Martyn offers a wide range of activities and is open all year round.

📷Wheal Martyn Clay Works in the 1980s.