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East Pool Mine, Illogan, Cornwall. 1893
Wall Art and Photo Gifts from Royal Cornwall Museum
East Pool Mine, Illogan, Cornwall. 1893
Boring an upper. Before the introduction of compressed air drills, all drilling had to be done by hand. Holes were needed in all directions and boring an upper, as seen in this image, was the hardest. Young miners often boasted of their prowess (St Just miners in particular who would bore single-handed). Photographer: John Charles Burrow
Royal Cornwall Museum is the UK's Greatest Museum For Cornish Life & Culture
TRURI : MIeap.3
Media ID 12082528
© From the collection of the RIC
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EDITORS COMMENTS
This photograph, taken in 1893, showcases the arduous and labor-intensive process of hand-boring an upper at East Pool Mine in Illogan, Cornwall. The mine, located in the heart of the Cornish mining district, was known for its complex network of tunnels and shafts, requiring a constant need for new holes to be drilled in various directions. Before the advent of compressed air drills, all drilling was carried out manually. The task of boring an upper, as depicted in this image, was considered the most challenging. Young miners, particularly those from St Just, would often boast about their prowess in this demanding endeavor. The scene unfolds in a dimly lit chamber, with miners diligently working to expand the mine's depth and reach. The only sources of light are flickering candles, casting long, ominous shadows on the rough-hewn walls. The miners, clad in heavy clothing and armed with hammers, picks, and candles, focus intently on their work. Their faces are etched with determination and grit, reflecting the unyielding nature of their profession. The Cornish mining industry was renowned for its ingenuity and resilience, with miners adapting to the challenges of extracting valuable minerals from the earth. This photograph serves as a poignant reminder of the harsh realities and heroic spirit of the Cornish miners during this era.
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