An 8ft tall steel chimney sculpture galvanized at South West Galvanizers in Crediton, and decorated with 15 images showing scenes of Cornwall’s historic china clay mining industry and has been unveiled at the China Clay Country Park, St Austell. 

The replica mine chimney is one of three new artworks to be erected in the mining area, as part of a trail from the Wheel Martyn museum to the nearby Eden Project. The official unveiling of the sculptures was carried out by TV personality Dick Strawbridge.

The chimney is the work of well-known artist-blacksmiths Gary and Thomas Thrussell whose studio is on Bodmin Moor, and who specialize in three-dimensional works using a range of materials including mild steel, copper and stainless steel.

Father-and-son sculptors Gary and Thomas have had many works commissioned by local authorities and other organizations for public display and is a firm believer in the many advantages of galvanizing his steel artworks to give maximum protection against corrosion and damage for many years.

Gary was so impressed with South West Galvanizer’s galvanizing work that he wrote a letter of thanks to the Devon-based Wedge Group company. Regional Director Tony Wonnacott said: “We were delighted to receive Gary’s remarks and also to know that a piece of sculpture that we have galvanized here at South West Galvanizers has been put on display in such a popular location, where it can be enjoyed by so many people.”