An exhibition at Rushen Heritage Centre charts the history of mining in the south of the island, from Bradda to Langness and up as far as Foxdale.
‘A Brief History of Mining and Quarrying in the South’ has been curated by Rushen Heritage Trust’s Ali Graham.
It is based on text and photographs supplied by Peter Geddes and Sue Jones from the Laxey Mines Research Group, along with other photographs and artefacts from various sources.
South’s Mining History
The exhibition runs until September 6, with Rushen Heritage Centre open 10am to 4pm from Tuesday to Saturday each week.
Entry is free, with donations always welcome.
Lead, copper, iron, zinc and small quantities of silver have all been found in the south of the Island and the exhibition features mines such as Bradda, Foxdale, Glen Chass and Ballacorkish in Colby.
Exhibition
Ali said: “We are so grateful to everyone who has helped bring this exhibition to life, in particular Peter and Sue, who have so much knowledge and resources to draw from.
“We would also like to thank both Sarah Christian and Matthew Richardson from Manx National Heritage, who although very busy with their own wonderful exhibitions, took time to look up archive information and loan some of their mining artefacts.
“Thanks also to Jon Wornham from Island Images for the use of his photographs, and John Radcliffe, Anthony Cubbon and Dan Dyke for the loan of their personal artefacts.
“Given that mining more than likely began in the Bronze Age, when prehistoric miners would have been attracted to sites such as Bradda Head and Langness, there has been much ground to cover, and we have done our best to give a colourful overview of the development of mines around the south of the island.”
6 Comments