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Image Licensing : Polkanuggo Quarry, Stithians, Cornwall. September 1902
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Polkanuggo Quarry, Stithians, Cornwall. September 1902
A view of the quarry face showing workers sitting on a granite block weighing an estimated 2, 738 tons. It was claimed to be the largest single block ever quarried. Some of the workers are holding the tools of their trade. Blocks of granite are ready to be moved using the cranes based at the edge of the quarry. Photographer: Unknown. Royal Cornwall Museum is the UK's Greatest Museum For Cornish Life & Culture. © From the collection of the RIC
TRURI : VMmbe.5
Media ID 18949410
Filename: TRURI-VMmbe-5.tiff
Size: 6000 x 4756 (16.3MB)
Date: 29th April 2019
Source: Royal Cornwall Museum
County: Cornwall
Location Name: 50.1880, -5.1740
Building Chains Chisel Craftsmen Dressing Extraction Granite Hammer Labour Labourers Ladder Mabe Mineral Quarries Quarrying Record Stone Stones Trade Work
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EDITORS COMMENTS
Polkanuggo Quarry: A Glimpse into Cornwall's Granite Legacy". In this print from September 1902, we are transported back in time to witness the awe-inspiring Polkanuggo Quarry in Stithians, Cornwall. The image showcases a remarkable sight - workers perched on a colossal granite block weighing an astounding estimated 2,738 tons. This mammoth stone was hailed as the largest single block ever quarried at that time. The photograph not only captures the sheer scale of this quarry but also offers a glimpse into the lives of these skilled craftsmen. Some laborers can be seen proudly holding their tools of trade – chisels and hammers – symbols of their expertise and dedication to extracting precious minerals from Cornish soil. As our eyes wander beyond the workers, we observe rows upon rows of meticulously dressed granite blocks awaiting transportation by cranes stationed at the edge of the quarry. These stones will soon embark on journeys destined for construction sites across Britain, contributing to architectural marvels that stand tall even today. While the identity of the photographer remains unknown, this snapshot immortalizes an era when manual labor played a pivotal role in shaping Cornwall's landscape and economy. It serves as a testament to both human ingenuity and perseverance amidst challenging working conditions. This evocative image transports us back to an era where chains clanked against rocks, ladders reached dizzying heights, and sweat dripped down determined brows. It is a tribute to those who dedicated.
