Title: Claylines
Date: Saturday 2 May to Sunday 7 June 2026
Summary: Claylines is a joint exhibition of four local artists (Sarah Davies, Justine Hambly, Eleanor Russell and Olivia Drew) exploring the china clay landscape through collage, ceramics, printmaking and mixed media.
Further details: Some work will be available to purchase.
Time: 10.00am to 5.00pm
Price: Included in standard museum admission
Contact: info@wheal-martyn.com
Location: Roger Preston Gallery
Title: Clay Country Wailers
Dates: Thursday 7 May 2026
Summary: The Clay Country Wailers does what it says on the tin! Clay Country formed, this acoustic duo with an eclectic songbook bring a little country flavour to well-loved tunes from across the decades. There's something for everyone, creating a relaxed, feel-good atmosphere. They’re steadily building a reputation across Cornwall for warm, engaging performances that audiences can settle into and enjoy.
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
Title: Pottery Patisserie
Dates: Saturday 9 May 2026
Times: 10.00am to 2.00pm (approx. – end time 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 kiln, after which 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: Spring Nature Walks at Wheal Martyn
Dates:
Tuesday 12 May 2026
Wednesday 13 May 2026
Tuesday 19 May 2026
Tuesday 26 May 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 and breakfast 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
Title: Boats & Houses Pottery Workshop
Dates: Sunday 17 May 2026
Times: 10.00am to 2.00pm
Summary: Make your own mini ceramic Cornish cottage, harbour or boat out of clay, inspired by places from around Cornwall.
Further details: Timings are approximate as end times may vary slightly.
Equipment & materials: Clay and tools are provided. You may wish to bring along an apron.
You will produce: A ceramic creation that will be fired twice in our electric kiln.
Level: Beginners, all ages welcome. Any child under the age of 18 will need to be accompanied by an adult at all times.
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.
Pre-booking essential at www.wheal-martyn.com
Price: £45.00 per person
Postage & packaging: £5.00 per item
Contact: Sue Ford – info@wheal-martyn.com
Location: Learning Space
Title: Handkerchief Vase Making Workshop
Dates: Saturday 23 May 2026
Times: 10.00am to 3.00pm (approx. – end time may vary slightly)
Summary: Summer is here and with all the beautiful flowers in bloom why not make your very own vase to display them. In this workshop you will be shown an easy technique to create a beautiful flowing vase. Rolling out a simple slab of clay, you will get to be creative and have fun decorating your slab using coloured slips and tools to cut out patterns. Then you will be shown how to lay your slab over a former which will hang down creating a draped effect. 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, 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 flower vase 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 14 welcome. Any child under the age of 18 will need to be accompanied by an adult at all times.
Workshop duration: 5 hours (end time may vary slightly)
Price: £50.00 per person
Postage & packaging: £5.00 per item
Contact: Sue Ford – info@wheal-martyn.com
Location: Learning Space
Title: Wildlife Encounters at Wheal Martyn (May half term trail)
Dates: Friday 22 May to Monday 1 June 2026
Summary: Take a walk on the wild side through the Wheal Martyn grounds! Can you find all the animals, trees and plants that call our china clay works their home? Take a picture inside our wildlife ‘peep’ boards – you can be a caterpillar, a bumblebee and more! Scavenge for fallen leaves and natural materials to use in our creative activities. Fill in your nature spotter booklet as you go.
Further details: Available during visit, no need to book
Time: 10.00am to 5.00pm
Price: Included in standard museum admission
Contact: engagementofficer@wheal-martyn.com
Title: May Half Term Activities
Dates: Monday 25 May to Friday 29 May 2026
Summary: Capture the beauty of the natural world in art this May half term! Join us to make seed bombs, create animals out of clay and use your scavenged natural materials found during your visit to make something truly unique and special.
Further details: Drop in during your visit, get hands-on, and let imaginations run wild. All materials are provided and every creation is uniquely yours to keep.
Time: 11.00am to 3.00pm. Last entry 2.30pm.
Price: £1.00 - £5.00 depending on materials used (in addition to normal museum admission fee).
Contact: engagementofficer@wheal-martyn.com
Title: Pottery Painting for All
Dates: Monday 25 May 2026
Saturday 30 May 2026
Times: 11.00am to 4.00pm
Summary: Why not pop in and join us for a pottery painting session during the May half term. 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 by an adult at all times.
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
Title: Accessible Walk to Carlyon Clay Dries
Date: Saturday 30 May 2026
Summary: Starting from the Wheal Martyn car park, join this accessible walk to the Carlyon Clay Dries on the way to St Austell. Meet at 9.30am to start the walk at 10.00am. The walk is organised by Eden Project as part of the 2026 Clay Walks Festival.
Further details: The walk will be approximately 3 miles long. Please dress appropriately for the weather, walking boots or sturdy footwear are recommended.
Time: Meet at Wheal Martyn from 9.30am for a 10.00am start
Price: FREE
Contact: info@wheal-martyn.com
Location: Wheal Martyn, Clay Trails, Carlyon Clay Dries
Title: 100 Years of Bugle Brass Band Contest
Date: Saturday 13 June to Friday 24 July 2026
Summary: 100 Years of Bugle Brass Band Contest is a celebration of the centenary of the Bugle Brass Band Contest which is held within our parish. It will showcase memorabilia collected from previous contests and share the significance of the contest – the stories of how it was formed, its roots in the community, and where it is today.
Further details: The 2026 Bugle Brass Band Contest will be held on Saturday 20 June at Molinnis Park, Bugle.
Time: 10.00am to 5.00pm
Price: Included in standard museum admission
Contact: info@wheal-martyn.com
Location: Roger Preston Gallery
Title: Garker Street Band
Dates: Thursday 4 June 2026
Summary: A seven-piece band with three singers, sax, two guitars and percussion, performing a mixture of known and popular songs from 1960 to 2020.
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
Title: Basic Introduction to Pottery
Dates: Sunday 7 June 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 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
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: Friday 12 June 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 at all times by an adult.
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: Educating Rita
Theatre performances presented by St Austell Players
Dates: Wednesday 17 June 2026
Thursday 18 June 2026
Friday 19 June 2026
Times: Arrive from 6.45pm for a 7.15pm start
Summary: St Austell Players presents Willy Russell's Educating Rita. This much-loved modern classic tells the story of Rita, a lively and outspoken hairdresser with a fierce desire to change her life, and Frank, the disillusioned university lecturer assigned to tutor her. What begins as a simple Open University course soon becomes a transformative journey for them both, filled with humour, honesty, and unexpected friendship.
From the writer of Blood Brothers and Shirley Valentine and an award-winning local theatre group. Tickets available from www.ticketsource.co.uk/st-austell-players
Price: £10.00 per person
Title: Pottery Patisserie
Dates: Thursday 18 June 2026
Times: 10.00am to 2.00pm (approx. – end time 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 kiln, after which 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: Slab Pottery Workshop
Dates: Friday 26 June 2026
Times: 11.00am to 3.00pm (approx. – end time may vary slightly)
Summary: In this workshop you will be shown how to roll out slabs of clay and build a small decorative box. You will be guided through the process step by step and then shown various techniques to decorate your box and apply coloured slips. Once dry, your pot will go off to be fired in our electric 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.
You will produce: A small slab-built box 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 13 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: Woodkern
Dates: Thursday 2 July 2026
Summary: A seven-piece, youth-led contemporary folk group from across Cornwall and Devon who weave traditional music and song (including Cornish, Irish, English and beyond) with original material to create their powerful and distinctive sound. In times gone by, Woodkerns were messengers and guardians who knew their land deeply, which perfectly reflects this unique ensemble whose music is deeply rooted in who they are and where they come from.
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
Title: Pet Paw Printing Ceramic Gifts and Keepsakes
Dates: Saturday 4 July 2026
Times: 11.00 to 3.00pm
Summary: Make a treasured gift and memory by printing your cherished pet’s foot onto 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 10-15 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 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: Handkerchief Vase Making Workshop
Dates: Saturday 11 July 2026
Times: 10.00am to 3.00pm (approx. – end time may vary slightly)
Summary: Summer is here and with all the beautiful flowers in bloom why not make your very own vase to display them. In this workshop you will be shown an easy technique to create a beautiful flowing vase. Rolling out a simple slab of clay, you will get to be creative and have fun decorating your slab using coloured slips and tools to cut out patterns. Then you will be shown how to lay your slab over a former which will hang down creating a draped effect. 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, 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 flower vase 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 14 welcome. Any child under the age of 18 will need to be accompanied by an adult at all times.
Workshop duration: 5 hours (end time may vary slightly)
Price: £50.00 per person
Postage & packaging: £5.00 per item
Contact: Sue Ford – info@wheal-martyn.com
Title: Mevagissey Shanty – Joint Fundraiser
Dates: Saturday 11 July 2026
Summary: Join us for a fabulous evening of fun and shanty singing at our annual joint fundraising concert, raising funds for both the Mevagissey Shanty Festival and Wheal Martyn Clay Works.
The evening will be jam packed with shanties and Cornish folk songs and will feature performances by very talented shanty artists who will also be performing at the Mevagissey Shanty Festival in October.
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 will be split equally between Mevagissey Shanty Festival and Wheal Martyn Trust (Charity no. 1001838).
Time: Doors open at 6.30pm, performance starts at 7.00pm
Price: £14.00 per person (age 12 and under free)
Optional extra: Pre-ordered pasties £6.95
Contact: info@wheal-martyn.com
Title: Boats & Houses Pottery Workshop
Dates: Sunday 19 July 2026
Times: 10.00am to 2.00pm
Summary: Make your own mini ceramic Cornish cottage, harbour or boat out of clay, inspired by places from around Cornwall.
Further details: Timings are approximate as end times may vary slightly.
Equipment & materials: Clay and tools are provided. You may wish to bring along an apron.
You will produce: A ceramic creation that will be fired twice in our electric kiln.
Level: Beginners, all ages welcome. Any child under the age of 18 will need to be accompanied by an adult at all times.
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.
Pre-booking essential at www.wheal-martyn.com
Price: £45.00 per person
Postage & packaging: £5.00 per item
Contact: Sue Ford – info@wheal-martyn.com
Location: Learning Space
Title: Basic Introduction to Pottery
Dates: Saturday 25 July 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 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
Price: £45.00 per person
Postage & packaging: £5.00 per item
Contact: Sue Ford – info@wheal-martyn.com
Title: Pottery Painting for All
Dates: Tuesday 28 July 2026
Times: 11.00am to 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 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 by an adult at all times.
Price: From £6.00 depending on item selected for painting.
Postage & packaging: £5.00 per item
Contact: Sue Ford – info@wheal-martyn.com
Location: Learning Space
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