What's On at Wheal Martyn
St Austell
8 October 2026
31 January 2027
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Title: Arsenic: What Price Beauty?
Date: Friday 16 October to Tuesday 22 December 2026
Summary: Terrye Teverson is a contemporary Cornish fine artist, digital printmaker and sculptor whose multidisciplinary practice bridges historical narrative and contemporary critique. This exhibition investigates the arsenic trade in Cornwall, blending traditional and contemporary mediums to create immersive experiences that challenge viewers to confront the desire for ‘beautiful’ objects and contemplate the means of production.
Time: 10.00am to 4.00pm
Price: Included in standard museum admission
Contact: info@wheal-martyn.com
Venue: Wheal Martyn Clay Works (PL26 8XG)
Title: Dalla Duo
Dates: Thursday 5 November 2026
Summary: Dalla Duo offer a celebration of the very best of Cornish traditional music in all its varied glory, from wild and mesmerising dance tunes to beautifully haunting slower pieces. This includes instrumentals on bouzouki and clarinet, as well as songs in Cornish and English.
Often referred to as 'Cornish traditional music royalty', Neil Davey and Hilary Coleman are individually very well known to anyone familiar with Cornish music, having both played an integral part in the great revival of this genre seen over recent decades. They co-founded the 'nos lowen' approach to Cornish dance and music and are best known as founding members of the internationally acclaimed Cornish music group Dalla. They continue to perform together in the popular nos lowen dance band Skillywidden, which grew out of Dalla.
Further details: Book online at www.wheal-martyn.com. Bar open on the day and pre-booked pasties are available at point of booking. Proceeds raised from the event support the charitable work of the Wheal Martyn Trust (Charity no. 1001838).
Time: Doors open at 6.30pm, performance starts at 7.00pm
Price: £6.00 - £15.00 per person (age 12 and under free)
Optional extra: Pre-ordered pasties £6.95
Contact: info@wheal-martyn.com
Venue: Wheal Martyn Clay Works (PL26 8XG)
Please note that music night tickets are non-refundable.
Title: Festive Tree Decorations
Dates: Saturday 7 November 2026
Times: From 10.30am (timed slots every half hour)
Summary: Prepare for Christmas by making your own festive tree decoration - perfect for a gift or just to treat yourself. You will have a go at making a simple festive decoration for the tree, followed by painting your decoration with a selection of coloured slips. Once dry, it will be fired in our kiln, then a clear glaze will be applied and it will be fired again. Your work will be ready in time to collect before Christmas. No experience necessary as all guidance will be given.
Equipment and materials: Clay, coloured slips and tools are provided. We recommend that you bring an apron.
You will produce:One small Christmas tree decoration.
Collection/delivery:Your item will be ready to collect before Christmas. You can either collect your item from Wheal Martyn or we can post it to you. If you would like it posted, please select this option when you book online.
Combine with a visit: If you are not an annual pass holder but would like to combine your workshop with a visit to the museum you can purchase a reduced-price admission ticket at the point of booking.
Level: Beginners, from age five welcome. Any child under the age of 18 will need to be accompanied by an adult at all times.
Workshop duration: Up to one hour
Price: £15.00 per person
Booking: Four slots every half hour starting from 10.30am
Postage and packaging: £5.00 per item
Contact: Selina Mancey – pottery@wheal-martyn.com
Venue: Wheal Martyn Clay Works (PL26 8XG)
Title: Festive Family Pottery Painting
Dates: Sunday 8 November 2026
Wednesday 9 December 2026
Thursday 10 December 2026
Times: 11.00am to 3.00pm (drop-in sessions between these times)
Summary: Pop in with the kids and have a festive family pottery painting session. There will be a choice of items for children and adults to paint, ranging from ornaments to tree decorations. You will be set up with the paints and directed on how best to apply them, then you can have fun and get creative.
You will produce: A uniquely painted creation, which will be clear glazed and fired in our kiln.
Equipment and materials: Blank pottery pieces to paint, glazes and equipment provided.
Collection/delivery: Your item will usually be ready within 10 to 30 days. You can either collect your item from Wheal Martyn or we can post it to you. If you would like it posted, please select this option when you book online.
Level: All abilities, from any age welcome. Any child under the age of 18 will need to be accompanied by an adult at all times.
Workshops duration: Approximately 30-60 minutes.
Combine with a visit: If you are not an annual pass holder but would like to combine your workshop with a visit to the museum you can purchase a reduced-price admission ticket at the point of booking.
Price: Prices start from £6.00 up to £30.00 depending on the size of the piece chosen.
Postage and packaging: £5.00 per item
Contact: Selina Mancey – pottery@wheal-martyn.com
Venue: Wheal Martyn Clay Works (PL26 8XG)
Title: Christmas Craft Fair
Dates: Saturday 14 November 2026
Sunday 15 November 2026
Summary: Join us for our annual craft fair with lots of special individual gift ideas, including a variety of handcrafted goods made in Cornwall ranging from ceramics, bags, paintings, cushions and jewellery to bird houses, crocheted toys, wood turned items and much more!
Time: 10.00am to 4.00pm
Price: Free entry to craft fair (normal admission fee applies to the museum and grounds)
Contact: sford@wheal-martyn.com
Venue: Wheal Martyn Clay Works (PL26 8XG)
Title: Make Your Own Ceramic Gingerbread House
Dates: Saturday 14 November 2026
Sunday 15 November 2026
Wednesday 25 November 2026
Times: 10.00am to 2.00pm (Timings are approximate as end times may vary slightly.)
Summary: Before you know it, Christmas will be here, so start getting into the Christmas spirit by building your very own ceramic gingerbread house. Perfect for a gift or just to treat yourself. You will be shown how to roll out the slabs of clay and then use a template to cut out the shapes. You will be shown how to stick the pieces together into a gingerbread house. You can then really have fun and get creative decorating with the candies and icing. Once assembled you will paint it with coloured slips. Once dry, your gingerbread house will be fired in our kiln, then a clear glaze will be applied and it will be fired again ready for you to come back in to collect. This usually takes between 10 to 30 days. No experience necessary, just a willingness to try.
Equipment and materials: Clay, coloured slips and tools are provided. We recommend that you bring an apron along and a snack as this workshop runs over lunch.
You will produce: A colourful and fun ceramic gingerbread house.
Collection/delivery:Your item will usually be ready within 10 to 30 days. You can either collect your item from Wheal Martyn or we can post it to you. If you would like it posted, please select this option when you book online.
Combine with a visit: If you are not an annual pass holder but would like to combine your workshop with a visit to the museum you can purchase a reduced-price admission ticket at the point of booking.
Level: Beginners, ages from 10 up to any age welcome. Any child under the age of 18 will need to be accompanied by an adult at all times.
Workshop duration: Four hours (end time may vary slightly)
Price: £45.00 per person
Postage and packaging: £5.00 per item
Contact: Selina Mancey – pottery@wheal-martyn.com
Venue: Wheal Martyn Clay Works (PL26 8XG)
Title: Cornish Chimney Making Workshop
Dates: Monday 16 November 2026
Times: 10.00am to 2.00pm (Timings are approximate as end times may vary slightly.)
Summary: This workshop offers you the chance to make a creation inspired by Cornish industrial heritage. During this workshop you will be shown how to make a piece inspired by the iconic Cornish chimney stack. You will be shown how to roll out coils of clay and build them up into shape and then carve and decorate the chimney to look like stone. You could even take it one step further and make a handle to turn it into a mug. Once assembled you will get to paint it with coloured slips. Once dry, your chimney will be fired in our kiln, then a clear glaze will be applied and it will be fired again ready for you to come back in to collect. This usually takes between 10 to 30 days. No experience necessary, just a willingness to try.
Equipment and materials:Clay, coloured slips and tools are provided. We recommend that you bring an apron along and a snack as this workshop runs over lunch.
You will produce: A ceramic chimney stack.
Collection/delivery: Your item will usually be ready within 10 to 30 days. You can either collect your item from Wheal Martyn or we can post it to you. If you would like it posted, please select this option when you book online.
Combine with a visit: If you are not an annual pass holder but would like to combine your workshop with a visit to the museum you can purchase a reduced-price admission ticket at the point of booking.
Level: Beginners, ages from 10 up to any age welcome. Any child under the age of 18 will need to be accompanied by an adult at all times.
Workshop duration: Four hours (end time may vary slightly).
Price: £45.00 per person
Postage and packaging: £5.00 per item
Contact: Selina Mancey – pottery@wheal-martyn.com
Venue: Wheal Martyn Clay Works (PL26 8XG)
Title: Pet Paw Printing Ceramic Gifts and Keepsakes
Dates: Sunday 22 November 2026
Times: 11.00am to 3.00pm
Summary: Make a treasured gift and memory by printing your cherished dog or cat’s foot onto a ceramic or into a clay tile. Booking essential.
More information: We offer a bespoke service to print your pet’s paw print either onto a ceramic or into clay. All materials are non-toxic and water soluble and won’t harm your pet.
Time: It takes just five to 10 minutes to do a print and with attention and praise most pets are compliant! A paw wash tray and towel will be available afterwards. Please note these will be bookable sessions to avoid long wait times.
You will produce: A unique print that will be clear glazed and fired in our kiln.
Collection/delivery: Your item will usually be ready within 10 to 30 days. You can either collect your item from Wheal Martyn or we can post it to you. If you would like it posted, please select this option when you book online.
Price: £12.00 per item
Postage and packaging: £5.00
Contact: Selina Mancey – pottery@wheal-martyn.com
Venue: Wheal Martyn Clay Works (PL26 8XG)
Title: Willow Angel Trail
Dates: Saturday 28 November to Sunday 20 December 2026
Summary: Discover the beautiful willow angels around the historic grounds which have been individually decorated by our local community groups and partners.
Time: 10.00am to 4.00pm (last admission 3.00pm)
Price: Included in standard museum admission
Contact: info@wheal-martyn.com
Venue: Wheal Martyn Clay Works (PL26 8XG)
Title: Christmas Decoration Making Workshop
Dates: Thursday 3 December 2026
Times: 11.00am to 1.00pm (Timings are approximate as end times may vary slightly.)
Summary: Get into the Christmas spirit by making your own Christmas decorations, perfect for a gift or that special ornament that you look forward to taking out each year. You can make a festive tealight holder, ornament or a decoration for the tree. You will then paint your decoration with a selection of coloured slips. Once dry, it will go off to be fired in our kiln, then a clear glaze will be applied and it will be fired again. Your work will be ready in time to collect before Christmas. No experience necessary as all guidance will be given.
Equipment and materials: Clay, coloured slips and tools are provided. We recommend that you bring an apron along and a snack as this workshop runs over lunch.
You will produce:One ceramic Christmas ornament/decoration.
Collection/delivery:Your item will be ready to collect before Christmas. You can either collect your item from Wheal Martyn or we can post it to you. If you would like it posted, please select this option when you book online.
Combine with a visit: If you are not an annual pass holder but would like to combine your workshop with a visit to the museum you can purchase a reduced-price admission ticket at the point of booking.
Level: Beginners, from age 10 welcome. Any child under the age of 18 will need to be accompanied by an adult at all times.
Workshop duration: Two hours (end time may vary slightly)
Price: £30.00 per person
Postage and packaging: £5.00 per item
Contact: Selina Mancey – pottery@wheal-martyn.com
Venue: Wheal Martyn Clay Works (PL26 8XG)
Title: Stuns’ls Candlelit Concert
Dates: Thursday 3 December 2026
Summary: Born from the salt, sweat and occasional chaos of Cornish Pilot Gig rowing, Stuns’ls Shanty Group was formed from the rowing clubs of Mevagissey, Charlestown and Truro.
The name comes from one of our earliest songs, Old Maui. A stuns’l (studding sail) is an extra sail set by a square-rigged ship to catch the faintest breeze and squeeze out a little more speed. It seemed a fitting name for a bunch of rowers who figured that if we could pull together on the water, we could probably sing together on dry land too.
What started as a few voices raised after training sessions and regattas has grown into a harmony-loving crew with a passion for sea shanties, Cornish folk songs and a good old-fashioned singalong.
Proceeds raised from the event support the charitable work of the Wheal Martyn Trust (Charity no. 1001838).
Time: Doors open at 6.30pm, performance starts at 7.00pm
Price: £10.00 - £15.00 per person (age 12 and under free)
Optional extra: Pre-ordered pasties £6.95
Contact: info@wheal-martyn.com
Venue: Wheal Martyn Clay Works (PL26 8XG)
Please note that music night tickets are non-refundable.
Title: Festive Fun Day and Father Christmas
Date:Saturday 12 December 2026
Summary: To celebrate the most wonderful time of the year, Wheal Martyn invites you and your family to our festive fun day!
There will be holiday crafts, such as clay Christmas decorations, ‘Nedelik Lowen’ Cornish Christmas cards, festive hats to make as well as getting creative with some tile painting. Embark on a journey through the museum grounds to discover the sensory Reindeer Trail and our community decorated willow angels.
We're also excited to welcome Father Christmas back to Wheal Martyn, accompanied by his storytelling elves who will have gifts for the children. Please note that booking is essential for meeting Father Christmas. *
After all the festive fun, pop into the café to warm up with a delicious Christmas treat and relax with a hot chocolate or mulled wine.
Time: 11.00am to 3.00pm
Price: Adults £5.00, children five and over £12.00, children under five £6.00. Children’s prices include a gift from Father Christmas.
*Tickets must be bought online and are valid for entry for the whole event but please book your timeslot to meet Father Christmas when booking.
Venue: Wheal Martyn Clay Works (PL26 8XG)
Title: Lantern Trail
Date: Saturday 12 December 2026
Summary: Enjoy an atmospheric lantern trail at Wheal Martyn with Badger Forest School. The event will include lantern making, willow crafting, campfire and marshmallows, followed by a lantern-lit walk around the historic grounds before ending at the Wheal Martyn atrium for a festive singsong with the fabulous Makaton Choir.
Further details: Pre-book at www.wheal-martyn.com. The café will be open before the event serving festive treats. The event is a collaboration between Wheal Martyn and Badger Forest School with proceeds from entry supporting fundraising for both organisations.
Time: 3.30pm to 6.00pm
Price: Adults £5.00, children £8.00
Contact: info@wheal-martyn.com
Venue: Wheal Martyn Clay Works (PL26 8XG)