Historic Pictures Return Home
Twelve photographs dating back to the 1890s of Cornish tin mines were presented by Foot Anstey Hancock Caffin to the Cornish Mining World Heritage Site.
The photographs were all taken at mines in Cornwall including Dolcoath, East Pool, Cooks Kitchen, Wheal Friendly and Carclaze. They show mineworkers waiting to descend shafts, ore tramming underground and at ‘croust time’, when they stopped to eat their pasties.
The photographs will be sent to mining heritage attractions across the World Heritage Site for public display.
Jane Lister, senior partner at law firm Foot Anstey Hancock Caffin said “Years ago, when we were Foot & Bowden, we acted for a number of mining companies with interests in Cornwall and Devon. These black and white pictures, which were acquired through these connections, were displayed at our Plymouth office for many years.
“Our move in Plymouth, to a modern office in Salt Quay, means there is too much glass and not enough wall space to hang these striking pictures. So we are delighted that the Cornish Mining World Heritage Site wants to display them at the relevant sites as they provide a vivid historical depiction of our rich mining legacy, above and below ground.”
Deborah Boden, World Heritage Site Co-ordinator, said, “These images provide a fascinating insight into the world and life of mineworkers in the late 1800s. You can really see the history of the World Heritage Site come alive and we’re extremely grateful for the generosity of Jane Lister and the team at Foot Anstey Hancock Caffin for gifting them to us.”
In 2006, Cornish Mining was granted the prestigious World Heritage Site status by UNESCO which placed ten mining landscapes in Cornwall and west Devon on a par with such international treasures as Stonehenge, the Taj Mahal and the Great Wall of China. The Cornish Mining World Heritage Site encourages visitors to explore and learn about the physical, social and cultural aspects of Cornish Mining heritage which it is also hoped will bring tangible socio-economic benefit to the region. To find out more visit www.cornishmining.org.uk
Published 10/11/2008
