The Cornwall Blog

What we refer to as 'clay country' in Cornwall is the rugged landscapes that sits above St Austell. A landscape that has been mined and carved since the early 18th century. The richness of this landscape was discovered by William Cookworthy, and the fine white china clay is still mined today. There's a hotchpotch of villages with tight-nit communities where rugged hills provide far-reaching views and dug out valleys provide pools of turquoise waters.  After a stunning drive through these villages on a sunny day I wanted to delve a little deeper into the history, and what you can do here. When we first moved to Cornwall over 20 years ago, my dad joked that the little clay mound seen from many vantage point was my mum's 'mountain'. She had always wanted to live near mountains, and it seemed finally she would be! This relatively little mound is part of the legacy of an industrial past, but it's the glistening water-filled pits that really catch the eye on a sun...

Amy Cooper When I first wrote about Rooted in 2022, the exhibition was still showing at Wheal Martyn. Coming back to it a few years later, I realised that these images are worth keeping as a little record of the show in their own right. Rooted brought together artists and makers with very different approaches, but all responding in some way to Cornwall's china clay landscape, its materials, history and atmosphere. It was a fascinating idea then, and looking back at the work now, I think it still is. Rooted at Wheal Martyn Rooted ran at Wheal Martyn in the autumn of 2022 and brought together 17 makers rooted in Cornwall. Ceramics were at the heart of the exhibition, but there was also jewellery, photography, metal, film and other work. The starting point was the china clay industry and the extraordinary landscape it has created around St Austell. The artists responded to the material itself, the history of the industry, its effect on the land and the peopl...

I thought this was a brilliant idea when I first saw it, and it still feels worth sharing. Wheal Martyn Clay Works, near St Austell, has worked to make visits more welcoming for people who may prefer a quieter, less overwhelming museum experience. A calmer way to explore Wheal Martyn’s relaxed sessions are designed for adults and children who may find busy public spaces difficult, including autistic visitors, people with anxiety and anyone with sensory needs. They offer a chance to explore at a quieter pace, with hands-on objects, sensory-friendly activities and trails. The museum also has sensory bags, an easy-read guide, BSL clips and quiet places around its large outdoor site. Carers are admitted free, and sensory markers around the grounds highlight places that can be explored through sight, sound and touch. It is worth checking the current arrangements before travelling, as session dates and activities may change. Discover Cornw...

    That nip is in the air and its official, October is here and we are feeling decidedly autumnal. I just love seeing the seasons change and as soon as the golden leaves turn I just can't wait to get to the woods. There are plenty to choose from, but a place where I always find peace is Luxulyan Valley and in particular the industrial heritage that is the Treffry viaduct. You can follow a circular route with iWalk Cornwall, they even have an app. The path I often take follows the old water way, down past the remains of what was an impressive waterwheel and along some very giant boulders! The viaduct that spans the valley was built in 1844 by Joesph (Austen) Treffry who had big ideas on developing the area. It was the most advanced engineering project in the western peninsula and carried both water and rail across the valley. For such a peaceful spot its hard to imagine it as a bustling industrial site but the traces of man-made feats are still visible, albeit cl...