A very special project…
CORNISH MINERALS
by Mirri Damer
It all started when…
“This is a project that came about during lockdown, when time stood still. It has grown to become an integral part of my practice and, in many ways, has altered the way I approach new work. I’ve loved all the research and creative exploration and hope to continue it for years to come…”
- Mirri Damer 2023
ABOUT THE PROJECT
Cornish Minerals SERIES 01 sees Mirri Damer delve further into the landscapes that inspire her work, with sublime results. Through a process of research, exploration and sheer technical skill, the intense raw beauty and multifaceted nature of Cornwall’s mining heritage sites – as well as their diverse mineral wealth – have been revealed in entirely new ways.
As a result of this groundbreaking project, not only has Mirri’s practice deepened its existing sensibility but also her approach towards materials – and making – have been forever changed. Alongside this, the resonance of time and place within her work is far greater than ever before, continually adding to its beauty.
Cornish Minerals SERIES 01
– CATALOGUE OF LOCATIONS –
ABOUT THE PROCESS…
“I have always loved that all my materials come from the earth, and I’m lucky that my home county of Cornwall is one of the richest areas in the world for minerals. After many conversations and fascinating meetings, I obtained a selection of suitable mineral samples – each with their exact location, date found and collectors label.
I had the idea to cut a piece from the original mineral sample and use this to make a piece of fine jewellery, which both mimics and captures the spirit of the landscape: the large leftover piece of mineral would then be used as the plinth for displaying the jewellery.
Using GPS, I tracked down the actual place where the minerals were found with a photographer. Being able to stand on the land where the minerals were discovered, to experience the atmosphere, weather and textures of the place all fed into the design of the finished piece. I love that any wearer can choose to visit that particular place and experience it as well.”
– Mirri Damer
Cornish Minerals SERIES 01
– NOTES & DETAILS –
NO.1 AMETHYST & PYRITE RING
Location Wheal Jane, Baldhu | Crystal Habit Cubic | Mohs Hardness 6-6.5 | Lore The Incas used pyrite as mirrors
NO.2 NATIVE COPPER & QUARTZ BROOCH
Location Relistian Mine, Reawla | Crystal Habit N/A | Mohs Hardness 2.5-3 | Lore For five millennia Copper was the only metal known to man
NO.3 AMETHYST & SMOKY QUARTZ RING
Location Wheal Gorland, St Day | Crystal Habit Trigonal | Mohs Hardness 7 | Lore Flat planes of smoky quartz were used as sunglasses in 12th century China.
No. 4 BLACK TOURMALINE BROOCH
Location Wheal Lushington, Porthtowan | Crystal Habit Hexagonal | Mohs Hardness 7-7.5 | Lore Ancient legend says tourmaline is found in all colours because it travelled down a rainbow to earth.
“This ring uses amethyst and smoky quartz, as well as diamonds. I cut the stone and set it to enhance and mimic the way the amethyst zig-zags through its matrix. This in turn reflects the zig-zag pathways found in the Cornish mining landscape, which have been created over the years by thousands of miner’s footsteps, weaving to avoid the many adits” – Mirri Damer
NO.5 CASSERITE BROOCH
Location Wheal Jane, Baldhu | Crystal Habit Tetragonal | Mohs Hardness 6-7 | Lore One of the oldest casserite mines in the world is in Cornwall
NO. 6 JASPER RING
Location Penlee Quarry, Newlyn | Crystal Habit Hexagonal | Mohs Hardness 6.5-7 | Lore Linked to fertility, often referred to as “blood of mother earth”
NO.7 TIN ORE PENDANT
Location Penlee Quarry, Newlyn | Crystal Habit Hexagonal | Mohs Hardness 6.5-7 | Lore Linked to fertility, often referred to as “blood of mother earth”
“This pendant uses tin ore, uncut diamonds and 18ct gold. The tin ore was found in Dolcoath Mine in 1840. I love the idea that a miner recognised the rarity and beauty of this sample enough to record its origin and date. I chose to set it in a style reminiscent of the way shark teeth are used as a protective talisman, especially by sailors and surfers. It seemed appropriate to use tin ore in a way that acknowledges the extreme dangers faced by Cornish miners” – Mirri Damer
LANDSCAPE PHOTOS: ISAAC BLEASE
MAIN PHOTOS: TOR HARRISON & PAUL MOUNSEY
–WITH GRATEFUL ACKNOWLEDGMENTS to all who have helped support this project–