Rights Managed > Royal Cornwall Museum > Mining > Quarrying
Polkanuggo Quarry, Stithians, Cornwall. 1903-1904
Filename: TRURI-VMmbe-20.tiff
Size: 15609 x 12442 (47.8MB)
Date: 29th April 2019
Source: Royal Cornwall Museum
County: Cornwall
Location Name: 50.1880, -5.1740
© From the collection of the RIC
Wall Art and Photo Gifts from Royal Cornwall Museum
Polkanuggo Quarry, Stithians, Cornwall. 1903-1904
A general view of Polkanuggo Quarry with steam traction engine BETA No 483 and workers posing for the camera. The traction engine was made around June 1885 by John Fowler of Leeds and was owned by Freeman & Sons. The figure to the left of the steam engine, with his hand on the stone being lifted, was identified as James Ginger Opie, the Quarry Manager at Polkanuggo by his great granddaughter in 2004. The children in the right foreground include his two sons. Part of the Freeman & Sons, Penryn Collection. Photographer: Unknown
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TRURI : VMmbe.20
Media ID 18950164
© From the collection of the RIC
Building Cart Chains Chisel Craftsmen Crane Dressing Extraction Face Freemans Granite Hammer Horse Industry Labour Labourers Ladder Mabe Mineral Quarries Quarrying Record Stone Stones Tools Trade Work Workers Working Dressed
EDITORS COMMENTS
This print from 1903-1904 showcases the Polkanuggo Quarry in Stithians, Cornwall. The image captures a general view of the quarry, with its rugged landscape and towering granite formations. In the foreground, we see a steam traction engine named BETA No 483, manufactured by John Fowler of Leeds around June 1885. This impressive machine was owned by Freeman & Sons, who played a significant role in the mining industry at that time. The photograph also features workers posing for the camera, providing us with an intimate glimpse into their daily lives. Among them is James Ginger Opie, identified as the Quarry Manager at Polkanuggo by his great granddaughter in 2004. His presence adds a personal touch to this historical snapshot. Intriguingly, two young boys can be seen in the right foreground - they are none other than James Ginger Opie's own sons. Their inclusion highlights how families were often involved in these labor-intensive industries. This remarkable photo belongs to the Freeman & Sons Penryn Collection and serves as an invaluable record of Cornwall's mineral extraction history. It beautifully captures both the physicality of quarrying work and the craftsmanship required to extract and dress stones. From chisels and hammers to chains and ladders, this image showcases various tools used by these skilled labourers during that era. Additionally, it offers glimpses of other elements such as horses pulling carts and even a faithful dog accompanying its master on-site. Overall
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