Guernsey Press

Artefacts from quarrying past donated for museum

GUERNSEY’S quarrying history has proved to be of interest to islanders, and the National Trust has received artefact donations for a new museum that is hoped to be open by September.

Published
These are some of the quarrying artefacts donated to the National Trust for its museum telling the story of granite quarrying in Guernsey. (Picture supplied by Tony Spruce)

The museum will be at the former Mowlem’s Yard in Church Road, where information about the island’s rich quarrying history will be displayed.

An open morning was held near Church House, known as the Triangle House, which used to be the offices of Mowlem’s, on Saturday morning.

National Trust estate manager Jemma Field said there had been a lot of interest in the museum, which will be in what was the forge at the house.

‘We have had quite a few people coming in and giving us artefacts – people have taken an interest in this.

‘We are so grateful and have had very generous donations.’

A couple planned on donating a set of optician’s tools, which would have been used when islanders got pieces of granite in their eyes, said National Trust president Tony Spruce.

National Trust of Guernsey president Tony Spruce and estate manager Jemma Field were at the open morning at Church House, or the Triangle House, to receive donations. (Picture by Luke Le Prevost, 30546577)

‘We had a rush of people who brought plans, record books,and tools,’ he added.

‘This morning has been quite busy and it has been well worth it.’

He said the trust was still interested in any other artefacts people had, even if they were on loan or it was just a discussion.

‘We want the museum to show the best of what’s available,’ he said.

‘We are going to create a workshop type-area, and on the walls we will display pictures and images of the quarrying industry inside an industrial-feel room.’

The museum will inform locals and visitors about the work of John Mowlem, who owned 60-70% of the island’s quarries, and also about the granite industry and its impact on St Sampson’s Harbour.

‘It’s not a story that’s been told anywhere on Guernsey,’ Mr Spruce said.

‘There were 225 quarries in Guernsey – it was huge and people don’t really realise as all you see now is quarries filled with water.’

The Triangle House was built as Mowlem’s office in 1860, and the north of the island, in particular, was abuzz with activity in the latter half of that century.

‘It was all stone and dust – it was something else,’ Mr Spruce said.

Ms Field was looking forward to the completion of the museum.

‘We’re very excited about this project. We haven’t got anything in our way now so it should be full steam ahead.’

About a dozen people went to the open morning, and others had come forwards prior to the event.