20 May 2026

The Wheal Martyn team is celebrating their recognition at the Cornwall Heritage Awards 2026, which took place at the National Maritime Museum Cornwall in Falmouth yesterday.

The awards ceremony, led by Cornwall Council, saw representatives from museums, galleries and heritage centres from across Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly come together to celebrate their achievements in 2025. The event was hosted by Mark Trevethan, Principal Lead for Culture & Creative Industries, Cornwall Council, and Daphne Skinnard, BBC Radio Cornwall. 

In testament to the work, effort and commitment of our team of staff and volunteers, Wheal Martyn was shortlisted for four of the eight awards, along with the final ‘Spirit of The Award’ category! The nominations and results for were as follows:

Winner for Collaboration: Our Royal Society, Places of Science Project: ‘Inspiring Cornwall’s Minds & Miners for Our Future'

The Royal Society-funded project saw Wheal Martyn creatively explore our china clay mining heritage and the future for green geo-resources industries with young people. The museum worked with industry and academic partners including The Natural History Museum to connect communities and pupils with real-science, heritage, innovation and future STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) careers. The project including workshops at Wheal Martyn and in schools, as well as a two-day STEM Fair at Wheal Martyn with over 250 children in attendance. Click here to view a film about the project.

Highly Commended for Innovation: Wheels at Wheal Martyn

The launch of a monthly classic car gathering at Wheal Martyn, as part of a drive to recruit volunteers. Wheels at Wheal Martyn successfully generated 12 new skilled museum volunteers leading to a committed community of people supporting engagement and conservation projects at Wheal Martyn, whilst the event has also helped to boost income to the charity and attract new visitors.

Highly Commended for Best on a Budget of under £1,000: The Metal Conservation Project

In response to corrosion risks and visitor feedback, the museum trained volunteers in metal conservation and carried out a programme of treatment of the many industrial objects on display in the museum. Structured documentation and maintenance regimes have improved collections care, volunteer skills and pride, strengthened public confidence, and supported long term preservation of large metal heritage artefacts.

Highly Commended for One to Watch: Ben Knight

Ben is a remarkable volunteer at Wheal Martyn, making an exceptional impact in just six months. His deep site knowledge, conservation skills, creative problem solving and versatility have strengthened collections care, displays and daily operations, leaving a visible lasting legacy across the museum.

Winner for Spirit of the Award: Wheal Martyn Clay Works

A special award recognising Wheal Martyn’s ability to demonstrate an outstanding commitment to rootedness and connection, community impact, collaboration, values-led practice, leadership and inspiration.

Education Officer Gemma Martin, who attended the event with colleagues and volunteers, said: "Wow, what a night. We are delighted to have scooped five awards at this year's Cornwall Heritage Awards.

"A real triumph was winning the overall Spirit of the Award - we were surprised but utterly delighted. Thank you to all our team, our amazing volunteers and our kind supporters. What a team we are!"