What's On at Wheal Martyn
St Austell
1 July 2026
31 October 2026
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Title: Clay Country Carnivals Trail
Dates: Saturday 25 July – Sunday 6 September daily
Summary: Celebrate the carnivals, festivals and feast days of Cornwall’s Clay Country in our summer trail showcasing historic images of these community events from our archives – can you complete the trail to become a Carnival Queen or King? You might even recognise a family member in the photographs! Along the way and during your visit also enjoy traditional lawn games and summer fete challenges around the museum grounds, from ring toss to splat the rat and many more.
Further details: No booking required, take part during your visit – information provided at admissions desk.
Time: During normal opening hours: 10.00am – 5.00pm
Price: Included within the general admission fee
Contact: info@wheal-martyn.com
Venue: Wheal Martyn Clay Works (PL26 8XG)
Title: Summer Fete Activities
Dates: Mondays to Fridays from Monday 27 July – Tuesday 1 September
Summary: Take part in a range of creative activities as part of our celebration of the many carnivals, festivals and feast days of Cornwall’s Clay Country area. You could make a carnival float out of clay or paper, make and decorate your own crown or bunting or paint a ceramic tile as a memento of your visit. Also have fun with the traditional lawn games and summer fete challenges around the museum grounds during your visit.
Further details: No booking required, just drop in and take part during your visit – information provided at admissions desk.
Time: 11.00am – 3.00pm
Price: Ranging from £1.00 to £5.00 (in addition to standard admission fee).
Contact: info@wheal-martyn.com
Venue: Wheal Martyn Clay Works (PL26 8XG)
Title: And Everything And Nothing Has Changed
Date: Saturday 1 August – Thursday 8 October 2026
Summary: An exhibition showcasing work by artist Robin James Sullivan. And Everything And Nothing Has Changed celebrates Sullivan’s 2021 project of the same name. Exploring landscape, memory, industry and community through sculpture, performance and fieldwork, the exhibition will include the 2m ceramic standing stone co-created with over 450 local participants and the kiln that fired it beneath the iconic Sky Tip.
Further details:
Time: 10.00am – 5.00pm
Price: Included in standard museum admission
Contact: info@wheal-martyn.com
Location: Roger Preston Gallery
Venue: Wheal Martyn Clay Works (PL26 8XG)
Title: Coil Pot Building
Dates: Sunday 2 August 2026
Times: 10.00am – 2.00pm
Timings are approximate as end times may vary slightly.
Summary: Have you ever wanted to have a go at building a ceramic pot? Well, this is your chance to have a go and get creative. You will be shown how to build a pot using coils of clay and to decorate your ceramic creations using a variety of coloured slips. These will be fired in our kiln and will then be ready for collection or delivery. No experience necessary, just a willingness to try.
Equipment & materials:Clay, slips and tools are provided. You may wish to bring along an apron and a snack as the workshop runs over lunch time.
You will produce: A small coil pot which will be fired in our electric kiln.
Collection/delivery: Your item will usually be ready within four to six weeks. 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 11 welcome. Any child under the age of 18 will need to be accompanied by an adult at all times.
Workshop duration: Four hours
Price: £45.00 per person
Postage & packaging: £5.00 per item
Contact: Sue Ford – info@wheal-martyn.com
Location: Learning Space
Venue: Wheal Martyn Clay Works (PL26 8XG)
Title: Pottery Painting for All
Dates: Monday 3 August 2026
Wednesday 12 August 2026
Thursday 13 August 2026
Tuesday 18 August 2026
Wednesday 19 August 2026
Thursday 27 August 2026
Friday 28 August 2026
Saturday 12 September 2026
Sunday 27 September 2026
Thursday 29 October 2026
Friday 30 October 2026
Times: 11.00am – 4.00pm
Summary: Pop in and join us for a pottery painting session. There will be a choice of items for children and adults to paint ranging from ornaments to mugs, jugs and dinnerware. 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, a perfect gift that will be food safe and dishwasher safe. It will be clear glazed and fired in our kiln.
Equipment & materials: Earthenware bisque, glazes and equipment provided.
Collection/delivery: Your item will usually be ready within four to six weeks. 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: Beginners, from age four welcome. Any child under the age of 18 will need to be accompanied at all times by an adult.
Price: From £6.00 depending on item selected for painting (in addition to normal museum admission fee).
Postage & packaging: £5.00 per item
Contact: Sue Ford – info@wheal-martyn.com
Location:Learning Space
Venue: Wheal Martyn Clay Works (PL26 8XG)
Title: The Press Gang
Dates: Thursday 6 August 2026
Summary: The Press Gang have brought Cornish-themed, foot-stomping jovial fun to stages near and far for well over a decade and like nothing more than a crowd up for some Cornish maritime folky fun. Are you going to be part of that crowd (and join a potential conga!) at Wheal Martyn?!
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)
Title: Quest for the Lost Words Theatre and Promenade Performances
Dates: Thursday 20 August 2026
Times: Promenade performance 3.50pm (start 4.00pm)
Main performance 4.45pm (start 5.00pm)
Summary: Cscape Dance, a resident company at the Hall for Cornwall, will present two uplifting shows at Wheal Martyn which combine dance, storytelling and music to reconnect children and families with nature, wild places and the species that live there.
Once upon a time, words began to vanish from our children’s language, fading away like water on stone – Dandelion gone, Kingfisher gone, Conker gone….!
Inspired by ‘The Lost Words’, a bestseller by Robert Macfarlane and Jackie Morris, Cscape’s Quest for the Lost Words brings audiences together on a shared journey to find these missing words and bring them back to life, before they are gone forever. Blending dance, storytelling, music and play, Quest for the Lost Words is a show with heart, soul and an inspiring environmental mission which all ages will enjoy!
The show is offered in two formats – a 40-minute promenade tour around the Wheal Martyn grounds, including an activity, and an hour-long main show beside our 35-foot waterwheel. Tickets are available for one or both.
Prices:
· Promenade performance – £5.00 per person (all ages)
· Main performance – adults £10.00, children £6.00
· Combined ticket – adults £15.00, children £11.00
Contact: Sue Ford – info@wheal-martyn.com
Location:Wheal Martyn Grounds
Venue: Wheal Martyn Clay Works (PL26 8XG)
Title: Ceramic Key Ring Making Workshop
Dates: Saturday 29 August
Times: 11.00am – 3.00pm drop in session
Summary: In this workshop you can make a beautiful keyring from a piece of clay which contains actual clay from Wheal Martyn pit. We have a selection of cookie cut out shapes and textures that you can use to press designs into your shape or you can make your own shape and even write a personalised message on it if you wish. You will be guided by our pottery instructor on how to make your special key ring. This workshop is super fun and easy and great to do with all the family. Once your shape is dry, it will be fired in our kiln. A clear glaze will then be applied and it will be fired again ready for you to come back to collect or have it posted to you. No experience necessary.
Equipment & materials: Clay, coloured slips and tools are provided. We recommend that you bring an apron along.
You will produce: A keyring (includes the keyring attachment).
Collection/delivery:Your item will usually be ready within four to six weeks. 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 four welcome. Any child under the age of 18 will need to be accompanied by an adult at all times.
Price: £15.00
Postage & packaging: £5.00 per item
Contact: Sue Ford – info@wheal-martyn.com
Location: Learning Space
Venue: Wheal Martyn Clay Works (PL26 8XG)
Title: St Dennis Ukes
Dates: Thursday 3 September 2026
Summary:Self-styled as a pop ukulele band (not what you would usually expect a ukulele band to be like), the St Dennis Ukes are made up of 25 happy souls with a bass player and a drummer to complete their sound.
Starting out with just three members during the 2021 lockdown, the group practise every week at ClayTAWC (the local community hub) at St Dennis.
They play many different types of gigs from the local Women’s Institute to the Royal Cornwall Showground Flower Tent and recently collaborated with various choirs.
They like nothing better than having a great time with the audience and making sure everyone leaves with a smile – “We love getting people up on the dance floor too, so watch out”!
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)
Title: Engine House/Chimney Making Workshop
Dates: Saturday 5 September 2026
Times: 10.00am – 12.00pm (Timings are approximate as end times may vary slightly.)
Summary: Join us to recreate some of Cornwall’s most iconic structures. In this workshop you can make either a chimney or an engine house. You will be shown how to roll coils of clay into a chimney or roll slabs of clay to make an engine house. You will then be shown how to apply texture to your work to make it look like a stone-built structure. Once your piece is made, you will be able to decorate it with coloured slips to bring your structure to life. Don’t worry if you are new to this, you will be given guidance from our pottery instructor throughout the workshop to ensure that you create an amazing and unique piece of hand built pottery. Once dry, it will be fired in our kiln. A clear glaze will then be applied and it will be fired again ready for you to come back in to collect or have it posted to you. No experience necessary, just a willingness to try.
Equipment & materials: Clay, coloured slips and tools are provided. We recommend that you bring an apron along.
You will produce: Either an engine house or a chimney.
Collection/delivery:Your item will usually be ready within four to six weeks. 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 11 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: £45.00 per person
Postage & packaging: £5.00 per item
Contact: Sue Ford – info@wheal-martyn.com
Location: Learning Space
Venue: Wheal Martyn Clay Works (PL26 8XG)
Title: Leaf Bowl Workshop
Dates: Sunday 13 September 2026
Monday 21 September 2026
Times: 10.00am – 3.00pm (Timings are approximate as end times may vary slightly.)
Summary: Capture the magic of autumn when blustery days sprinkle colourful leaves all around. Using leaves collected, create a bowl made entirely of ceramic leaves. In this workshop you will be shown how to prepare a slab of clay which you will use to cut out your leaf shapes. Using a former, you will layer the leaves over it and form the clay into a bowl shape which you will then get to paint with a selection of coloured slips. Once dry, your bowl will be fired in our electric 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 four and six weeks. No experience necessary, just a willingness to try.
Equipment & materials: Clay, coloured slips, tools and leaves are provided. You may even wish to bring any nice leaves you find that you would like to make into a bowl. We recommend that you bring an apron along and a snack as this workshop runs over lunch.
You will produce: A small to medium leaf bowl.
Collection/delivery:Your item will usually be ready within four to six weeks. 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 14 welcome. Any child under the age of 18 will need to be accompanied by an adult at all times.
Workshop duration: Five hours (end time may vary slightly)
Price: £45.00 per person
Postage & packaging: £5.00 per item
Contact: Sue Ford – info@wheal-martyn.com
Location: Learning Space
Venue: Wheal Martyn Clay Works (PL26 8XG)
Title: Pumpkin Tea Light Holder Workshop
Dates: Saturday 19 September 2026
Thursday 15 October 2026
Times: 10.00am – 3.00pm (Timings are approximate as end times may vary slightly.)
Summary: Come and make a ceramic pumpkin out of clay that you can re-use every year. In this workshop you will be shown how to make a lidded pumpkin-shaped pot using coils of clay, and then you can decide if you would like to carve in a spooky face or just keep it plain. You will get to paint your pumpkin whatever colour you choose using a range of coloured slips. Once dry, your pumpkin will be fired in our electric kiln, then a clear glaze will then be applied and it will be fired again ready for you to come back in to collect. This usually takes between four and six weeks. No experience necessary, just a willingness to try.
Equipment & 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 lidded pumpkin pot roughly the size of a small to medium pumpkin.
Collection/delivery:Your item will usually be ready within four to six weeks. 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 11 welcome. Any child under the age of 18 will need to be accompanied by an adult at all times .
Workshop duration: Five hours (end time may vary slightly)
Price: £45.00 per person
Postage & packaging: £4.50 per item
Contact: Sue Ford – info@wheal-martyn.com
Location: Learning Space
Venue: Wheal Martyn Clay Works (PL26 8XG)
Title: Pet Paw Printing Ceramic Gifts and Keepsakes
Dates: Sunday 20 September 2026
Times: 11.00am – 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 four to six weeks. 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: From £12.00 per item
Postage & packaging: £5.00
Contact: Sue Ford – info@wheal-martyn.com
Location: Learning Space
Venue: Wheal Martyn Clay Works (PL26 8XG)
Title: Exiles
Theatre performance
Dates: Saturday 26 September 2026
Times: Doors open 6.30pm, performance 7.00pm
Summary: Exiles is a magical blend of music and spoken word which is set in the 1960s and draws on extraordinary tales and characters from the Cable & Wireless archive. It is the fourth collaboration between musicians Bagas Degol and writer Annamaria Murphy and was created through a project with PK Porthcurno, Museum of Global Communications.
Beginning with the infamous Porthcurno car rally, the story journeys through the winding lanes of West Cornwall before travelling far beyond, following the lives and adventures of engineers working across the globe.
Through rich storytelling and evocative sound, Exiles brings to life the experiences of those who helped build and maintain the networks that connected the world. Audiences are transported to distant and often exotic locations, encountering the people, cultures and challenges faced along the way.
This imaginative and atmospheric production celebrates Cornwall’s unique place at the heart of global communications, weaving together local history with international stories.
Price:Tickets £12.00 per person
Contact: Sue Ford – info@wheal-martyn.com
Location: Main building
Venue: Wheal Martyn Clay Works (PL26 8XG)
Title: Lemonaires
Dates: Thursday 8 October 2026
Summary: The Lemonaires – Men of Cornwall are based in Mylor Bridge and sing of Cornwall, fishing, farming and mining with the vigour you would expect from proud Celtic men.
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)
Title: Wine & Wisdom Fundraising Evening
Date: Thursday 15 October 2026
Summary: Enjoy a fun evening with friends, family or work colleagues and show off your knowledge, whilst supporting Wheal Martyn Trust to raise funds to support its charitable work. This includes caring for and making accessible the heritage of Cornwall’s china clay mining industry and providing related educational opportunities within our communities.
Further details: Teams of up to six people can register for only £10.00 per person (book online at www.wheal-martyn.com). First bottle of wine and nibbles will be provided on your tables and the bar will be open!
Time: Doors open at 6.30pm for a 7.00pm start
Price: £10.00 per person
Contact: info@wheal-martyn.com
Location: Café & Atrium
Venue: Wheal Martyn Clay Works (PL26 8XG)
Title: Arsenic: What Price Beauty?
Date: Friday 16 October – Wednesday 23 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.
Further details:
Time: 10.00am – 4.00pm
Price: Included in standard museum admission
Contact: info@wheal-martyn.com
Location: Roger Preston Gallery
Venue: Wheal Martyn Clay Works (PL26 8XG)
Title: Spooky Eye Spy Trail
Dates: Saturday 24 October – Monday 2 November 2026
Summary: Join us during October half term for a spooky trail through the grounds at Wheal Martyn. Discover the all the mysterious eyes lurking around the woodland and match them to the spooky faces on your worksheet. Experience the grounds of the museum like you never have before.
Further details: No booking required, take part during your visit – information provided at admissions desk.
Time: During normal opening hours: 10.00am – 4.00pm
Price: Included within the general admission fee
Contact: info@wheal-martyn.com
Venue: Wheal Martyn Clay Works (PL26 8XG)
Title: Spooky Spirits Creative Activities
Dates: Monday 26 October – Friday 30 October 2026
Summary: Join us during October half term for a series of spooky activities. For example, make a spooky face or nature spirit out of clay, beads and natural fallen materials from our woodlands. You could also decorate a tile with a spooky scene or paint a Halloween or autumn ceramic decoration.
Further details: No booking required, just drop in and take part during you visit – information provided at admissions desk.
Time: During normal opening hours: 11.00am – 3.00pm
Price: Ranging from £1.00 and £5.00 (in addition to normal museum admission fee).
Contact: engagementofficer@wheal-martyn.com
Location: Learning Space
Venue: Wheal Martyn Clay Works (PL26 8XG)
Title: Pinch Pot Making Workshop
Dates: Saturday 31 October 2026
Times: 10.00am – 12.00pm (Timings are approximate as end times may vary slightly. )
Summary: Come along and have a go at making a pinch pot. This workshop is great if you are wanting to try out pottery because it is a simple yet effective way to make a beautiful pot. Once your pot is made you get to decorate it with a range of different coloured slips to bring your creation to life. Don’t worry if you are new to this, you will be given supervision and guidance from our pottery instructor throughout the workshop to ensure that you come away with a unique and beautiful creation. Once your pot is dry, it will be fired in our kiln. A clear glaze will then be applied and it will be fired again ready for you to come back in to collect. No experience necessary, just a willingness to try.
Equipment & materials: Clay, coloured slips and tools are provided. We recommend that you bring an apron along. Tea and coffee provided.
You will produce: A pinch pot.
Collection/delivery: Your item will usually be ready within four to six weeks. 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 eight welcome. Any child under the age of 18 will need to be accompanied at all times by an adult.
Workshop duration: Two hours (end time may vary slightly)
Price: £25.00 per person
Postage & packaging: £5.00 per item
Contact: Sue Ford – info@wheal-martyn.com
Location: Learning Space
Venue: Wheal Martyn Clay Works (PL26 8XG)