Experience Cornwall’s china clay heritage from a completely different perspective this Easter.

Experts from Wheal Martyn Clay Works, the UK’s only china clay museum, will be running a series of workshops aboard the Lady Daphne, a historic china clay sailing barge moored in Charlestown Harbour.

For one day only, visitors to the vessel will be able to learn to make a bal maiden or kettle boy out of air drying clay, using historical images and films of the china clay industry for inspiration. 

Sian Powell, exhibition and engagement officer at Wheal Martyn, said: “The Lady Daphne carried china clay from 1923 to 1932 and may well have transported china clay from Wheal Martyn Clay Works itself! 

“This is an amazing opportunity to explore the Lady Daphne during her centenary year, learn more about Cornwall’s china clay heritage at one of the industry’s most important ports and keep your crafty creation as a memento.”

 There are four workshops, all on Friday, April 7: 10am, 11.30am, 1.30pm and 3pm. Each lasts an hour. 

All ages are welcome. Children need to be accompanied by an adult. Workshops cost £5 per participant. Booking is essential at www.wheal-martyn.com

Proceeds from the workshops will be shared between Wheal Martyn and Lady Daphne and contribute towards the preservation of the Victorian clay works at St Austell and the historic barge.