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Surface buildings, possibly one of the Basset Mines, Illogan, Cornwall. Around 1906
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Surface buildings, possibly one of the Basset Mines, Illogan, Cornwall. Around 1906
Reginald Colwell James (1890-1974) of St Columb Major, with mine buildings in the background (thought to perhaps be one of the Basset Mines). Reginald was a student of Hendersons Mining School, Truro, and later became an associate member of the Institute of Mining Engineers. In 1919 and 1925 he is recorded as living at Hillside, Tregurrian, St Columb Minor. By 1936 he had moved to Kearsley Road, Reading, Berkshire. Reginald has written on the back of the photograph: This is a snapshot - I was pulling up my collar at the time. Reading from right to left - Graves, Webb, myself. Webb has adorned his hat with an old hoop from a pail. The little house marked with a cross is an " undressing place" ; to the right of it and projecting is the survey office or Capt. Jenkins Office. The big building is the smithy and in the extreme background is a nearer view of the pumping engine and tackle. Notice the miners candles which Graves carries. It is possible that Reginald is referencing Captain Thomas Jenkin, who held the position of Chief Underground Surveyor at Hendersons School of Mines. Captain Jenkin died in South Frances Mine, together with Captain William James Junior and Cecil Thomas, on 10th September 1906, following a fall of earth from the roof. Photographer: Unknown
Royal Cornwall Museum is the UK's Greatest Museum For Cornish Life & Culture
TRURI : 2019.24.3
Media ID 19651146
© From the collection of the RIC
Boys Education Engineering Industry Miner Mining People Students Reggie Survey Surveying
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EDITORS COMMENTS
This print captures the surface buildings of what is believed to be one of the Basset Mines in Illogan, Cornwall, around 1906. In the foreground stands Reginald Colwell James, a student at Hendersons Mining School in Truro. Reginald later became an associate member of the Institute of Mining Engineers, showcasing his dedication and passion for mining. Reginald provides insightful details on the back of the photograph, giving us a glimpse into life at the mine during that time. He mentions his companions Graves and Webb, with Webb adorning his hat with an old hoop from a pail. The small house marked with a cross served as an "undressing place" while Captain Jenkins' office stood nearby as a survey office. The focal point of this image is undoubtedly the impressive smithy building towering over its surroundings. In the background, we catch sight of a pumping engine and tackle further emphasizing the industrial nature of this mining site. Noteworthy are the miners' candles carried by Graves, symbolizing their reliance on these humble light sources deep underground. It's worth mentioning that Captain Thomas Jenkin may have been referenced by Reginald since he held an important position at Hendersons School of Mines before tragically losing his life alongside Captain William James Junior and Cecil Thomas in 1906 due to a roof collapse at South Frances Mine. This historical snapshot offers us valuable insights into both personal experiences and working conditions within Cornish mines during this era.
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