Journey on a story of mining and telegraphy at Kresen Kernow’s new exhibition opening from Tuesday, August 6.   

Discover why Cornwall was the centre of global communications and why students from around the world wanted to study engineering in Camborne and Porthcurno.

This exhibition brings together the PK Porthcurno archive and the Kresen Kernow mining collections – both recognised for their worldwide significance in the histories of mining and telecommunications.

Usually told in terms of technological advancements, the organisers have looked instead for archives that change this familiar story and illustrate how these industries were used by the British Empire to its own advantage in southern Africa.

The stories of international students who studied at Camborne School of Mines are also explored, as well as the Holman Brothers of Camborne and the Cable & Wireless Engineering College at Porthcurno which are both known around the world to offer the best training in these fields.