I visited this museum just over a year ago, it was superb then and is even better today. After the rain of the last few days I was pleasantly surprised to wake to an almost cloudless sky. Near Identical conditions to those experienced on my last trip here and not conducive to photography in a high contrast environment such as this. I’m generally pleased with the improvement, unusual for me!
They have a wonderful collection of crystal samples which on my last visit were housed above the lamp room and smithy in this building. They have been moved into a gallery adjacent to the reception area and it is now just about possible to get a picture.
The last two are small areas of a spar box which has magnifying glasses let into it. Spar boxes were made by the miners either to decorate their own homes or to supplement their wages. They are well worth the admission fee on their own.
This is what I really came to see the last surviving thirty foot diameter overshot waterwheel.
Compared to similar images in the link below I’ve got better at this snapping job……………………All this and this is what it drives…………………..
This shaft and belt which powers the jigs used to separate the galena or lead from the lighter spars and calcites. Now I did mean to get some pictures of the jigs but I got chatting to the millwright and forgot. Not to worry I’ll no doubt be back.
An ore tub. These were pulled out of the mine in pairs by ponies.
The view down Weardale, a perfect autumn day.
Below is a link to my previous post on this place. Have a good weekend whatever you are up to.
http://adriansimages.blogspot.com/2009/08/wheels-220809.html
Nice angles of the wheel and truck. Generally, I think that Weardale is always helped by reasonable weather which you seemed to get. It's years since I've been to Killhope, in fact I've only been once. I was probably scarred as a child with this valley when I was in the back of my parents car......must be where all things Makkem are born !!!
ReplyDeleteAdrian, we have never stopped off at the museum even though we live quite near. Your post will change that - those crystals are amazing! It was a lovely day yesterday and the scenery up there at Killhope is beautiful. The wheel is fantastic, isn't it!
ReplyDeleteIt's great that some examples of our industrial heritage are still available to see. Living history is always more interesting, to me anyway, than any books on the subject.
ReplyDeleteJ on Tour, most places benefit from a drop of sunshine. I find it a difficult place to photograph.
ReplyDeleteLesley, It is excellent value at £5.00p. £2.00p extra if you take the one hour mine tour. I haven't yet. There are three wheels here and I believe one underground. It gets better all the time. They even have Red Squirrel and hides to observe them from. Hurry up it closes for the winter end of October.
John, this is an excellent place. A few miles west there is another mining museum at Nenthead. I'm saving it for another time.
ReplyDeleteGreat pictures Adrian, the waterwheel is a dead cert. I think that a year ago was as good photographs as todays pictures.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the info Adrian. We'll make sure to get up there before the end of the month. :)
ReplyDeleteI love the spar boxes - have never heard of them before. But the shot that really takes my fancy is the ore tub. Don't know why, it just speaks to me!
ReplyDeletePauline, I like the tub too. The spar boxes are fantastic but nothing like they are to the eye. This area has some of the best crystals in the UK. The best I don't doubt. They are difficult to get pictures of though.
ReplyDeleteBob, there was I thinking I'd improved. It is a wonderful wheel.
Lesley, check on the internet first, I know me and could be wrong. Nenthead just over the hill is now shut I believe, it opens at odd times anyway.
Will do Adrian, thank you. :)
ReplyDeleteLove the shots of the wheel, and the view down Weardale is certainly better than anything round here.
ReplyDeleteSometimes, Adrian, I just want to get in the car and go visit because you instill so much enthusiasm into me. Then reality takes over. After all when the rest of my life comes I've got the perfect guide from which to pick and choose my visits.
ReplyDeleteHello Adrian, I liked the ore cart photo because of the contrasts in the woods. I'm a first time visitor who found your blog from Krista's Picture Imperfect site. I too use Windows Live Writer and agree that it's not perfect but preferable to blogger. Feel free to drop into our blog http://thefrogandpenguinn.blogspot.com/
ReplyDeleteWe enjoy visitors and comments are always appreciated as well!
Keith, Ta, nothing like the nomadic life. It has it's downers but days like this make up for it. That view not shot into the light must be stunning.
ReplyDeleteGB, there are places you know are worth a visit and those that aren't. They really are doing a wonderful job here, even have an artist in residence and hides in the hills behind a fiver is really good value.
Beatrice, glad you came along and enjoyed the experience. People expect too much from blogger.
If they were running a web site then they would have to learn HTML. Blogger do a wonderful job, Do you use the new version of Live Writer? I'll pop by and see your creation. Krista?......Oh that Krista......Mad as a box of frogs Krista.