Ceramic Sculpture ‘Quills’ Donated to Wheal Martyn Clay Works

A notable ceramic artwork has been donated to Wheal Martyn Clay Works, the UK’s only china clay mining museum near St Austell.

The piece, titled Quills, was created by UK ceramic artist Tim Andrews to mark milestones in the history of china clay. It has now been gifted to the museum by Imerys and is being shown as part of the 50 Years of Wheal Martyn exhibition.

From Exhibition Piece to Museum Collection

Quills was first produced for a 2005 international ceramics exhibition profiling china clay, organised in partnership with Imerys and shown at Wheal Martyn.

Made from porcelain and stoneware clays with Molochite, and finished with china clay and flint slip, the work draws on both industrial and natural influences. It was inspired by two linked projects: a technical investigation of new china clay products at Imerys, and Tim’s later residency in a museum.

During that time, he studied fossil remains embedded in clay silt layers and developed pieces that suggested ancient artefacts and organic shapes, such as porcupine quills, which gave the sculpture its name.

Reunited with Wheal Martyn

Mark Hewson, who leads Imerys in the UK, said:

“We are delighted to see ‘Quills’ return to Wheal Martyn, where it was first exhibited back in 2005. Many artists over the years have been inspired by the china clay industry, and so we have been very lucky to receive donations of incredible artwork and sculpture. Now rightly back on display at Wheal Martyn during its anniversary year, many more people can enjoy and be inspired by this work.”

Sian Powell, Exhibition Officer at Wheal Martyn, added:

“It is wonderful to add this stunning piece to the museum collection. The addition is timely as we celebrate 50 years since Wheal Martyn opened as a museum, providing the opportunity to share ‘Quills’ in our exhibition this autumn, before finding it a long term home in the museum.”

On Display This Autumn

Quills is part of the 50 Years of Wheal Martyn exhibition and will remain on display until 23rd December.

To find out more, visit Wheal Martyn Clay Works.