Ball Clay Heritage Society

The Society was formed in February 2000 to further understanding of the geology, occurrence and properties of the ball clays of Devon and Dorset and to preserve the history and heritage of clay production, transport and use. 

To that end, the Society is assembling an irreplaceable collection of artefacts, store of archive materials and a range of photographs, films and videos. After identification of suitable premises, the aim will be to establish a museum.

Meanwhile, we arrange talks, visits and a newsletter for our members and we are assembling a comprehensive oral interview archive from the people that worked in the ball clay industry.

Collections

1) Artefacts – Industrial Type Collection. Examples of production tools, equipment and machinery. Currently part in temporary storage and part at Dunderdale Lawn.

2) Archive Collection – Large collection of ledgers, brochures and documents giving an insight into the ball clay trade, stretching back into the 19th Century. At Dunderdale Lawn.

3) Photographic Collection – Large collection of photographs and slides covering the whole of the 20th Century. In process of being categorised. At Dunderdale Lawn.

4) Film and Video Collection – Small collection of films and mining and marketing videos from end of 20th century. At Dunderdale Lawn.