China Clay Collection

Aerial image of China Clay (Kaolin) Quarries, St. Austell, Cornwall, England, United Kingdom, Europe

Par Sands, Cornwall, May 1949
A GWR publicity view of Par Sands in Cornwall, May 1949. This image shows the long stretch of white sand along the beach with the town of Par which lies on the Cornish Riviera just visible in

Doll with China Head, 1935/1942. Creator: Mary D. Porter
Doll with China Head, 1935/1942

Doll with China Head, c. 1941. Creator: J. Herman McCollum
Doll with China Head, c. 1941

Rag Doll, c. 1939. Creator: Charlotte Angus
Rag Doll, c. 1939

Quaker Costume Doll, 1935/1942. Creator: Charlotte Angus
Quaker Costume Doll, 1935/1942

Quaker Doll, c. 1940. Creator: Charlotte Angus
Quaker Doll, c. 1940

China Headed Doll, 1935/1942. Creator: William Paul Childers
China Headed Doll, 1935/1942

Doll: "Betsey Paine", 1935/1942. Creator: Edith Towner. Doll: "Betsey Paine", 1935/1942
Doll: "Betsey Paine", 1935/1942

Doll: "Rachel", 1935/1942. Creator: Edith Towner. Doll: "Rachel", 1935/1942. Creator: Edith Towner
Doll: "Rachel", 1935/1942

Doll with China Head, c. 1937. Creator: Edith Towner
Doll with China Head, c. 1937

The Clay Pit, 1923
RCM77709 The Clay Pit, 1923 by Harvey, Harold (1874-1941); 68x81 cm; The Royal Cornwall Museum, Truro, Cornwall, UK; © Royal Cornwall Museum

Chunkey Stone, A. D. 1200 / 1400. Creator: Unknown
Chunkey Stone, A.D. 1200/1400. Kaolin stone from a game which originated c. 600 AD. Mississippian, reportedly Kaskaskia River, Randolph County, Illinois

A china clay pit (colour litho)
6014590 A china clay pit (colour litho) by English School, (20th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: A china clay pit)

Mining kaolin, China (chromolitho)
973931 Mining kaolin, China (chromolitho) by European School, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: Mining kaolin, China)

Lorry crash, Lostwithiel, Cornwall. September 1990
A 30 ton lorry, which overturned and spilt its load of china clay, in Queen Street, Lostwithiel, severely damaging Lostwithiel Garden Machinery shop and Jocks Cafe

The Brickworks, Carbis, Roche, Cornwall. 1968
Carbis Brickworks, Roche from the road. Photographer: Charles Woolf

Par Beach - China Clay Works - Cornwall - UK
DAC-1113 Par Beach - China Clay Works Cornwall - UK David Chapman Please note that prints are for personal display purposes only and may not be reproduced in any way

China-clay workings in Cornwall, northwest of St Austell

Picture No. 10947106
Looking like a Pyramid a mound of Clay waste at a China Clay workings near St Austell Cornwall - UK. Date:

Open cast mine. Aerial photograph of Gunheath china clay pit. Kaolin (china clay) is a clay material used in a wide variety of ceramic applications

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"Unearthing the Rich History of China Clay: From Ancient Origins to Modern Marvels" Step back in time and explore the captivating world of China Clay, also known as Kaolin, which has shaped Cornwall's landscape for centuries. This aerial image takes us on a journey through time, showcasing the mesmerizing China Clay Quarries in St. Austell, Cornwall, England. Delve into history with a glimpse into dramatic events like the infamous Lorry crash that shook Lostwithiel in September 1990. Witness how this accident left an indelible mark on both the town and its people. Travel further back to 1968 when The Brickworks at Carbis Roche stood tall as a testament to human ingenuity. These structures were once bustling hubs where skilled hands molded clay into bricks that built communities across Cornwall. Venture even deeper into antiquity with Par Sands in May 1949, where nature's beauty harmoniously blended with man-made wonders. Here lies evidence of our ancestors' mastery over clay extraction and utilization. But let us not forget The Clay Pit itself - an iconic landmark dating all the way back to 1923. Its significance cannot be overstated; it symbolizes resilience, hard work, and innovation that have come to define Cornwall's china clay industry. Marvel at Chunkey Stone from A. D. 1200/1400 - an enigmatic creation by unknown hands that showcases early craftsmanship using this versatile material. It serves as a reminder of how long humans have cherished and harnessed the power of china clay. Through vibrant lithographs and chromolithos depicting mining scenes both ancient and modern from around the world – including China – we gain insight into just how far-reaching this industry truly is. China-clay workings in Cornwall stand as living testaments to generations who labored tirelessly beneath these very grounds so we could enjoy countless everyday items made possible by their efforts.