Artisans of the Torbay Marble Industry
Torquay Museum
When: 01 July 2024 to 14 December 2024
Where: The Bridge Gallery
Time: 10am - 4.45pm
Cost: £3.60 - £11
Suitable for: Any age
The Devon marble industry was once Britain’s most important ornamental stone industry and with its rich geological formations, Torbay was right at the center of this unique resource.
From the early 19th century local family dynasties of marble masons grew, these were the artisans of the Torbay marble industry and this permanent gallery tells their story.
These pioneering marble workers specialised in not only quarrying and transporting the raw material, but also cutting and finishing beautiful products for churches, cathedrals and fine building interiors across Britain and the world.
Alongside these architectural decorations a flourishing sideline of beautiful ornaments, vases, jewellery and specimen marble tables was also produced. These had influences from Florentine pietra dura masters, Russian malachite mosaic work and the Scottish agate jewellery industry and they attracted Royal and celebrity patrons.
Discover the story of the Woodleys, Grants, Blackers and Jenkins through some of the exquisite items they produced, and how they developed Torbay’s most important export spanning over 200 years.
Exhibitions & Projects
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William Cobbing: Dumb mud, I love you
The Burton at Bideford
11 October 2025 to 15 February 2026
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National Trust A Living Landscape: New Beginnings at Kipscombe
The Museum of Barnstaple and North Devon
24 January 2026 to 14 March 2026
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Hubert Coop and Friends: A Legacy of Art and Influence
The Burton at Bideford
17 January 2026 to 15 March 2026
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The Annual Schools Exhibition
The Burton at Bideford
30 January 2026 to 15 March 2026
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Artists North Devon: A Vibrant Community
The Museum of Barnstaple and North Devon
07 February 2026 to 28 March 2026
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This is me Call for entries: Documentary Photography Open 2026
The Museum of Barnstaple and North Devon
01 December 2025 to 11 April 2026
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Call for entries Young Digital Documentary Photography Open
The Museum of Barnstaple and North Devon
01 December 2025 to 11 April 2026
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Land of the Pharaohs: Egypt on Screen
Bill Douglas Centre
29 January 2026 to 15 May 2026
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Beryl Cook: Pride and Joy
The Box, Plymouth
24 January 2026 to 31 May 2026
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Journeys with Mai
The Box, Plymouth
14 February 2026 to 14 June 2026
