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Kerrier: Cornish sculptor's tribute

A Cornish sculptor has paid an artistic tribute to local miners.



Former miner from South Crofty, Mark Kaczmarek, was pleased to be selected to reveal a life-sized sculpture in Pool depicting four Cornish tin miners that were constructed by sculptor, Steve Joyce.

Interestingly, the piece of community art by Steve Joyce was commissioned by Canynge Bicknell, the developers behind a recently opened Choices Video Store in Pool.

A sculpted tribute to Cornwall’s miners and their hard work and tragedies is situated in Trevenson Road and highlights the historical importance of mining in the Camborne, Pool and Redruth region.

Mr Joyce has named his work ‘Stannic Men’. His instructions were to produce life-size figures representing workers in Crofty and other Cornish mines.

Moreover, Steve stated ‘During my research I visited South Crofty and Geevor tin mines….These [visits] were extremely valuable in gathering information about tin mining…From photographic archives I selected eight images to project and engrave on to four life-size silhouette cut-outs, taken from a group photo of South Crofty miners….Inevitably, the images only portray a portion of the experience of being a miner but in future years I hope they will act as a reminder of this important part of the area’s history.’

The silver coloured figures have been made from steel plates with each one being cut from a sketch. Then, the plates were welded together and galvanized and will eventually possess a tin-like appearance once it has been subjected to the capricious nature of the wet and windy weather.

Ultimately, Mr Kaczmarek stated that: ‘These sculptures will be a lasting testament to every Cornish miner and his family.’