There are three engine houses on the coast of Mount's Bay, between Porthleven and Praa Sands. Wheal Prosper, above Rinsey Cove and Wheal Trewavas, which had 2 engine houses and mined deep under the sea for copper.

Wheal Prosper Mine opened in about 1860 and was anything but prosperous. The fine engine house has a mixed construction of granite and slate (killas) taken largely from small quarries on the cliff tops nearby. Rinsey Mine as it is also known, only worked until 1866 producing mainly tin and a little copper. The workings were over 450 feet deep and were pumped by a 30-inch cylinder pumping engine. It finally ceased production in 1865.


The dark imposing shape of the restored roof and chimney created an attractive angular design amongst the bright wafting clouds. It was a little tricky to get the exposure correct as the sky was bright and I was shooting in the shadow of the mine. The result is pleasing though, as I have managed to capture the drifting clouds in the sky, whilst retaining a little definition in the brickwork.