Title: Cornish Units Exhibition
Date: Wednesday 14 January 2026 – Sunday 19 April 2026
Time: 10.00am to 4.00pm
Summary: This exhibition shares the story of the Cornish Unit home. Initially built as post-war social housing, many of these prefabs still exist today. 30,000 units were built by Selleck and Nichols, a subsidiary of English China Clays, to combat the housing crisis after World War 2. Although problems occurred with the concrete, are there lessons from the design and build that could be learned today during another period of housing uncertainty?
Price: Included in standard museum admission
Contact: engagementofficer@wheal-martyn.com
Location: Roger Preston Gallery
Title: Valentines Hearts and Flower Dish Making
Date: Monday 19 January 2026
Time: 10.00am to 2.30pm (timings are approximate as end times may vary slightly)
Summary: Would you like to have a go at making a unique handmade gift for Valentine’s Day? Create your own ceramic valentine hearts and flower shaped dishes. You will be shown how to make and decorate a special heart and then have a go at making a flower petal bowl. You will get to paint your work with coloured slips ready to go off to be fired in our kiln. No experience necessary, all equipment and instruction will be provided, you might want to bring an apron and a snack should you wish.
Equipment & materials: Clay and tools are provided.
You will produce: A painted ceramic heart and a ceramic flower dish which will be fired and glazed in our electric kiln.
Collection/delivery: Your item will usually be ready within 10 to 20 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, from age 11 welcome. Any child under the age of 18 will need to be accompanied at all times by an adult.
Workshop duration: 4.5 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
Title: Cobweb Crew
Date: Thursday 05 February 2026
Summary: Cobweb Crew are a bunch of friends who enjoy singing a song whilst supping a pint or two. They sing shanties and Cornish songs, based at the Cobweb Inn, Boscastle.
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: £5.00 - £15.00 per person (age 12 and under free)
Optional extra: Pre-ordered pasties £6.95
Contact: info@wheal-martyn.com
Title: Basic Introduction to Pottery
Date: Saturday 07 February 2026
Times: 10.00am to 2.00pm (end time may vary slightly)
Summary: Have you ever wanted to have a go at pottery but not sure where to start? We are running a one-day workshop where you will be shown two basic techniques – how to make a pinch pot and a decorative tile. You will get to paint your creations with a selection of different coloured slips. Your work will go off to have a clear glaze applied and be fired in our kiln 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 it will run over lunch time.
You will produce: A pinch pot and a decorative tile which will be fired in our electric kiln.
Collection/delivery: Your items will usually be ready within two to five 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 10 welcome. Any child under the age of 18 will need to be accompanied by an adult at all times.
Workshop duration: 4 hours
Price: £45.00 per person
Postage & packaging: £5.00 per item
Contact: Sue Ford – info@wheal-martyn.com
Location: Learning Space
Title: Coil Pot Building
Date: Wednesday 11 February 2026
Times: 10.00am to 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 go off to the kiln to be fired 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 two to five 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: 4 hours
Price: £45.00 per person
Postage & packaging: £5.00 per item
Contact: Sue Ford – info@wheal-martyn.com
Location: Learning Space
Title: The Lost Miner’s Journal
Dates: Saturday 14 until Monday 23 February 2026
Summary: The pages of a lost journal have scattered across the museum. They belong to a miner from long ago who was learning the Cornish language and writing about his work. Can you find all the pages and figure out what he was saying?
Further details: No need to book.
Time: 10.00am to 4.00pm (Museum opening hours).
Price: Included in standard admission
Contact: info@wheal-martyn.com
Title: Create your Cornish Memory
Dates: Monday 16 to Friday 20 February 2026
Summary: Celebrate Cornish heritage at Wheal Martyn this February half term, paint a Cornish pasty or a beam engine decoration or make something out of clay to take home with you! What do you love about Cornwall?
Further details: Drop-in sessions, no need to book.
Time: 11.00am to 3.00pm. Last entry at 2.30pm.
Price: £1.00 - £5.00 depending on item created
Contact: engagementofficer@wheal-martyn.com
Title: Egg Holder Tray Making (2 day workshop)
Dates: Thursday 26 February 2026 (part 1) and
Thursday 12 March 2026 (part 2)
Times: 10.00am to 1.00pm (each day) (end times may vary slightly).
Summary: Get ready for Easter and join us at Wheal Martyn for our two-part egg tray making workshop. In part 1 you will be shown how to mould an egg-shaped holder from a slab of clay. These will go off to be fired in our kiln. Then in part 2 you will come back in to decorate your egg holder trays using a variety of ceramic paints which will bring your creation to life. Your work will go off to have a clear glaze applied and be fired again in our kiln ready for collection or delivery. No experience necessary, just a willingness to try.
Equipment & materials: Clay, paints and tools are provided. You may wish to bring along an apron.
You will produce: An egg-shaped tray for holding eggs, which will be fired in our electric kiln.
Collection/delivery: Your item will usually be ready within two to five 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: 3 hours (day 1) and 3 hours (day 2)
Price: £65.00 per person
Postage & packaging: £5.00 per item
Contact: Sue Ford – info@wheal-martyn.com
Location: Learning Space
Title: Shanty Sam
Dates: Thursday 05 March 2026
Summary: Shanty Sam has been performing solo for just over a year and has recently joined the popular Stuns’ls group. He has a wide variety of shanties with his own unique style.
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: £5.00 - £15.00 per person (age 12 and under free)
Optional extra: Pre-ordered pasties £6.95
Contact: info@wheal-martyn.com
Title: Flower Dish Making (2 day workshop)
Dates: Friday 06 March (part 1 – making) and
Friday 20 March (part 2 – decorating)
Times: 10.00am to 2.00pm (day 1) and 10.00am to 1.00pm (day 2)
Timings are approximate as end times may vary slightly.
Summary: Create your very own ceramic flower shaped dishes. In part 1 you will be shown how to make the petals and create your dishes. These will go off to be fired in our kiln, and then in part 2 you will come back in to decorate your ceramic creations using special coloured ceramic paint. These will go back to the kiln and be fired with a clear glaze ready for collection or delivery. No experience necessary, all equipment and instruction will be provided, you might want to bring an apron.
Equipment & materials: Clay and tools are provided.
You will produce: A painted ceramic flower dish which will be fired and glazed in our electric kiln.
Collection/delivery: Your item will usually be ready within two to five 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 10 welcome. Any child under the age of 18 will need to be accompanied by an adult at all times.
Workshop duration: 4 hours (day 1 – making) and 3 hours (day 2 – decorating)
Price: £65.00 per person
Postage & packaging: £5.00 per item
Contact: Sue Ford – info@wheal-martyn.com
Location: Learning Space
Title: British Science Week Toddler Takeover
Dates: Friday 13 March 2026
Summary: To celebrate British Science Week, come along to Wheal Martyn and join in fun and inspiring STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) based activities for little ones and their grownups! Drop in at any time, then enjoy exploring Wheal Martyn for the day.
Further details: Call 01726 850362 for more information. Booking online.
Time: 10.00am to 12.00pm
Price: Under 5’s are FREE; adults included in museum admission
Contact: gmartin@wheal-martyn.com
Location: Learning Space
Title: Pet paw printing ceramic gifts and keepsakes
Dates: Saturday 14 March 2026
Times: 11.00am to 3.00pm
Summary: Make a treasured gift and memory by printing your cherished pet’s foot onto ceramic or into a clay tile.
More information: We offer a bespoke service to print your pet’s paw print either onto ceramic or into clay. All materials are non-toxic and water-soluble and won’t harm your pet.
Time: It takes just 10-15 minutes to do a print and with plenty of treats, 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 pet paw print that will be clear glazed and fired in our kiln.
Collection/delivery: Your item will usually be ready within two to five 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 below.
Price: from £12.00 per item
Postage & packaging: £5.00
Contact: Sue Ford – info@wheal-martyn.com
Location: Learning Space
Title: Waste-not Clothes Swap Fundraiser
Date: Thursday 19 March 2026
Time: 6.30pm to 8.00pm
Summary: Bring along your unwanted items and go home with some ‘new to you’ clothes.
Further details: It’s time to start thinking about the spring/summer wardrobe and what better way to update it than at a clothes swap with a small charitable contribution! Not only do you get some ‘new to you’ items to wear, but you are supporting Wheal Martyn’s work to preserve and share our heritage, as well as helping our planet.
Price: £3.00 entry and minimal price per item. Pre-booking online or turn up on the night.
Contact: info@wheal-martyn.com
Location: Atrium
Title: Basic Introduction to Pottery
Dates: Saturday 28 March 2026
Times: 10.00am to 2.00pm (end time may vary slightly)
Summary: Have you ever wanted to have a go at pottery but not sure where to start? We are running a one-day workshop where you will be shown two basic techniques – how to make a pinch pot and a decorative tile. You will get to paint your creations with a selection of different coloured slips. Your work will go off to have a clear glaze applied and be fired in our kiln 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 it will run over lunch time.
You will produce: A pinch pot and a decorative tile which will be fired in our electric kiln.
Collection/delivery: Your items will usually be ready within two to five 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 10 welcome. Any child under the age of 18 will need to be accompanied by an adult at all times.
Workshop duration: 4 hours
Price: £45.00 per person
Postage & packaging: £5.00 per item
Contact: Sue Ford – info@wheal-martyn.com
Location: Learning Space
Title: Easter Egg Hunt
Dates: Wednesday 01 until Monday 20 April 2026
Summary: Hop into the Easter Holidays and join our Egg Hunt! The Easter Bunny has been busy hiding eggs all around the museum grounds. Put on your detective hat and follow the trail to crack the clues and search high and low to uncover hidden eggs across the museum. Each stop will uncover a letter and another piece of the puzzle. Complete the hunt by finding all the letters and figure out the special Easter phrase! Then claim your Easter reward from the front desk. Perfect for curious eggs-plorers and egg-cellent detectives of all ages.
Further details: The ceramic eggs were decorated by community groups at the museum including our weekly Arts for Health group, and they were made by our resident potter Selina.
Time: 10am to 5pm (Museum opening hours).
Price: Included in admission.
Contact: engagementofficer@wheal-martyn.com
Title: Foresail
Dates: Thursday 02 April 2026
Summary: Foresail is a group of friends from Cornwall with a love for singing and performing shanties, including a healthy dose of Cornish sea songs, folk and anything that takes their fancy. Their style can range from foot stomping and loud to lyrical and funny to entertain their audience on the night.
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: £5.00 - £15.00 per person (age 12 and under free)
Optional extra: Pre-ordered pasties £6.95
Contact: info@wheal-martyn.com
Title: Easter Fun Creative Activities
Dates: Friday 03 April 2026
Monday 06 to Friday 10 April 2026
Monday 13 to Friday 17 April 2026
Summary: Get creative this Easter holiday with our family-friendly craft sessions. Children can shape and model with air-drying clay and create an Easter bunny, a tile to decorate or something else entirely! Or you could paint your own pottery to take home, from ceramic decorations to beautiful Easter Eggs! Come in any time, find a seat and have fun.
Further details: Drop in, get hands-on, and let imaginations run wild. All materials are provided, and every creation is uniquely theirs to keep.
Time: 11.00am to 3.00pm. Last entry 2.30pm.
Price: £1.00 - £5.00 depending on item and materials
Contact: engagementofficer@wheal-martyn.com
Title: Pottery Patisserie
Dates: Saturday 04 April 2026
Times: 10.00am to 2.00pm (Timings are approximate as end times may vary slightly.)
Summary: In this fun workshop you can create gorgeous, tasty ceramic treats that look good enough to eat. You will be shown an easy pinch pot and coiling technique to create a mini sweet treat, box or dish in the shape of a yummy pie or cake. You can get to be as creative as you like and have fun decorating your creation using coloured slips. Once dry, your treat will go off to 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 two to five 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 treat shaped box or dish which will be fired twice in our electric kiln.
Collection/delivery: Your item will usually be ready within two to five 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 8 welcome. Any child under the age of 18 will need to be accompanied by an adult at all times.
Workshop duration: 4 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
Title: Easter Pottery Painting
Dates: Monday 06 and Tuesday 07 April 2026
Times: 11.00am to 3.00pm
Summary: Over the Easter holidays, why not pop in with the kids and have an Easter pottery painting session. There will be a choice of Easter themed items for children and adults to paint ranging from ornaments to dinnerware. You will be set up with the paints and be 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 two to five 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 4 welcome. Any child under the age of 18 will need to be accompanied by an adult at all times.
Price: from £6.00 depending on ceramic item selected for painting
Postage & packaging: £5.00 per item
Contact: Sue Ford – info@wheal-martyn.com
Location: Learning Space
Title: Spring Nature Walks at Wheal Martyn
Dates:
Thursday 09 April 2026
Tuesday 14 April 2026
Thursday 16 April 2026
Tuesday 21 April 2026
Summary: Enjoy a guided nature walk around the 26-acre historic Wheal Martyn grounds led by our site Ranger, highlighting the abundance of nature that calls the former Victorian clay works and wider grounds ‘home’. You’ll also hear about some of the habitat improvements made during the past year and plans for the future. Price includes admission to the wider museum after the walk.
Further details: Includes a breakfast bap and tea or coffee in our café after the walk.
Time: 9.00am to 11.00am
Price: £25.00 (includes admission to museum, breakfast bap and hot drink)
£15.00 (price for Cornwall Residents Pass holder)
Contact: info@wheal-martyn.com
Location: Meet in the Atrium
Venue: Wheal Martyn Clay Works (PL26 8XG)
Title: Family Pottery Painting
Dates: Monday 13, Tuesday 14 and Wednesday 15 April 2026
Times: 11.00am to 4.00pm
Summary: Over the school holidays, why not pop in with the kids and have a family pottery painting session. There will be a choice of items for children and adults to paint ranging from ornaments to 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 two to five 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 4 welcome. Any child under the age of 18 will need to be accompanied at all times by an adult.
Price: £6.00 depending on ceramic item selected for painting
Postage & packaging: £5.00 per item
Contact: Sue Ford – info@wheal-martyn.com
Location: Learning Space
Title: Egg Holder Tray Making
Dates: Wednesday 22 April 2026
Times: 10.00am to 2.00pm
Summary: To help store all those eggs from Easter, join us at Wheal Martyn for our egg tray making workshop. In this workshop you will be shown how to mould an egg-shaped holder from a slab of clay before decorating your egg holder trays using a variety of coloured slips which will bring your creation to life. Your work will go off to be fired in our kiln ready for collection or delivery. No experience necessary, just a willingness to try.
Equipment & materials: Clay, paints and tools are provided. You may wish to bring along an apron and a snack as the workshop will run over lunch time.
You will produce: An egg-shaped tray for holding eggs, which will be fired in our electric kiln.
Collection/delivery: Your item will usually be ready within two to five 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: 4 hours
Price: £45.00 per person
Postage & packaging: £5.00 per item
Contact: Sue Ford – info@wheal-martyn.com
Location: Learning Space
Title: Coil Pot Building
Dates: Thursday 30 April 2026
Times: 10.00am to 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 go off to the kiln to be fired and then 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 two to five 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: 4 hours
Price: £45.00 per person
Postage & packaging: £5.00 per item
Contact: Sue Ford – info@wheal-martyn.com
Location: Learning Space
| What's On 2026 (14 Jan 2026 - 30 Apr 2026) |
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