2-913-699 - The Print Collector/Heritage Images

The Lizard Serpentine Signal-Staff Quarry, near Cadgwith, Cornwall, 1854. 'This Quarry...is being worked by Henderson's patented and powerful Derrick-cranes - a species of machinery peculiarly adapted for the raising of large blocks of stone from quarries of very considerable depth...It is now about twelve months since the Lizard Company, with its manager (Mr. Cox)...commenced operations, which have been continued without intermission, with a view to develop the contents of the Signal-staff Hill...their efforts have been attended with the greatest success. Not only are the blocks obtainable in increased size...but the constituents of the stone become more consolidated: it is found to be more easily worked than marble; and, when polished, to be distinguished by beauty, variety, and vividness of colours, not to be surpassed...by any of the specimens of foreign marbles in the British Museum'. From "Illustrated London News", 1854.