Black and white

Acc.no: PEZPH : 2016.50.319

Identification

Item: Old Smelting Works at Blow Hill, Ludgvan

Description: A photograph of one of the arches of the old smelting works at Blow Hill, Ludgvan, an 18th &19th century smelter. Blowing House Hill in Ludgvan supported leets which supplied water to three sets of Cornish stamps and a smelting works. The Cornish Copper Co. of Hayle ran this establishment which during its life processed 42,300 tons of ore which produced 3,345 tons of pure copper. The smelter was open hearth and heated powdered ore to 120 degrees Fahrenheit, during which time impurities were burned off, including 20% to 50% of sulphur. The site of the smelter is now occupied by a 90 year old mock Tudor house 'The Stannery'. Several granite moulds have been incorporated into its walls. These moulds would have been filled with molten copper to form ingots for forward shipment to buyers. No other evidence of smelting or stamps appears to exist on this site.

Condition: Good

Description

Material: Photographic paper

Production

Method: Printed

Category: Photography

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