little book of treasures

LITTLE BOOK OF

TREASURESDiscover

special objects

that call Cornwall

home

Exploring Cornwall’s museums & galleries

Terry Frost – Orchard Tambourine B credit is © courtesy of the estate of Terry Frost

Beautiful beaches, dramatic coastline, world-

class gardens and more, Cornwall really is

the perfect place to enjoy together. Dig a

little deeper and you’ll uncover some special

objects that call Cornwall home. We’ve been

on a mission to track down these treasures,

from original Bagpuss drawings to a real Sea

King helicopter, there’s something to appeal

to all ages.

From Porthcurno to Truro this guide gives you

a good excuse to discover new places and

new treasures that add to Cornwall’s rich

heritage, and along the way you’re sure to

find new beaches, picnic spots and enjoy a cream

tea or two. So whatever your age, whatever your

interest - grab this guide and get hunting.

TREASURES TO FIND IN CORNWALL’S MUSEUMS

Falmouth Art Gallery

Venus attired by the GracesAnne Killigrew (1660 – 1685)

Artists of this period loved hidden stories, so this work possibly refers to Anne Killigrew’s day-job as maid of honour to the future Queen, Mary of Modena.

The Killigrews were one of the leading families in Cornwall, the main road into Falmouth still bears the family name.

This rare oil painting will be on permanent display throughout 2013.

National Maritime Museum Cornwall

Ben Ainslie’s Olympic gold medal winning Finn from the London 2012 games.

If you touch the sails, you can still taste the salt from his gold medal win at Weymouth. Ainslie has won four golds

and one silver at five consecutive Olympic games, crowning him the most successful Olympic sailor of all time. Three of those gold medals were won in the Finn that you can see at National Maritime Museum Cornwall, called Rita. Ainslie won his first Olympic medal at Atlanta 1996, taking silver in the Laser class aged just 19. Four years later he took his first gold at Sydney - the Museum also has this boat.

After Sydney, he switched to the larger Finn class where he dominated the next 12 years,

winning Olympic gold at Athens 2004, Beijing 2008 and London

2012.

MUST SEE OBJECTS

Penlee House Gallery & Museum

The Rain it Raineth Every DayNorman Garstin (1847 – 1926)

Painted in 1889 by a NewlynSchool artist, this is perhaps the most famous painting in Penlee’s collection.

Depicting Penzance promenade on a wet day, the image is known the world over, but only at Penlee can you see it ‘in the flesh’ and then wander 100 yards down the road to stand in the artist’s footsteps.

Porthcurno Telegraph Museum

World War 2 tunnels

More than an object, the secret tunnels with their bomb-proof escape steps are the ‘must see’ feature of the museum. The heavy blast-proof doors tell you this place was of vital importance, and you are about to step into history. There is a real sense of adventure as you go from bright sunshine into this cool, dark space.

Inside, working telegraph equipment whirs and buzzes away and visitors are instantly immersed in the WW2 story. Don’t miss the spectacular escape steps; carved from the granite hillside by Cornish miners; leading you to the viewing platform high above Porthcurno valley.

Royal CornwallMuseum

Explore the Main Gallery and discover fascinating objects that tell the (condensed) story of Cornwall from the 40,000 BC to the present day.

Here you can marvel at the Trewinnard Coach, see the earliest surviving passenger rail vehicle and set eyes on examples of real Cornish gold.

Learn about explorer, Richard Lander’s Medical Chest and find out just how tall Anthony Payne, the ‘Cornish Giant’ was!“A STUNNING COLLECTION

OF NEWLYN COLONY ART ... PENLEE SHOWS OFF THE INSPIRATION THAT THIS PART OF CORNWALL HAS GIVEN TO SO MANY ARTISTS...” TripAdvisor


Leonard Hussey’s Banjo

On the 24 April 1916, Shackleton and five of his men set out for South Georgiain the 23ft boat the James Caird on a journey of 800 miles that would cross the most ‘tempestuous storm-swept area of water in theworld.’ Shackleton left behind22 men, stranded on ElephantIsland, awaiting rescue. One of those men was Leonard Hussey, meteorologist on board the Endurance, who kept the crew entertained with his banjo playing. When the Endurance sank, five months earlier, Shackletoninsisted that the banjo shouldbe saved, recognising its importance to the men’s morale. Shackleton told Hussey: “It’s vital mental medicine,and we shall need it.” He was right; the banjo provided hours of entertainment whilst the crewwere waiting to be rescued.


The Lunulae

Among the most beautiful objects ever

unearthed in Cornwall are four gold collars, called Lunulae

because of their moon-like shape. Three are on display at the Royal

Cornwall Museum whilst the fourth is at the British Museum. Because they were

all found by accident long ago, they are hard to date but they were probably used

between 2300 and 2900 BC.

They seem certain to have been used by an elite, high status group and

to have huge symbolic value.

HISTORY &HERITAGE


The Lady of ShalottJohn William Waterhouse(1849 – 1917)

This painting is known throughout the world and is Falmouth Art Gallery Collection’s most famous work. It is the study for the finished painting in Leeds Art Gallery, although many critics prefer the vitality and freedom of brush work shown in this picture. Based on Lord Tennyson’s poem, it illustrates the moment when she breaks a curse forbidding her from looking through the window and down upon Camelot. She stops weaving the view reflected in the mirror and glances through the window to see Sir Lancelot.


Among the MissingWalter Langley (1852 – 1922)

The magic of Penlee House is seeing world-class art ina completely relevant local context.

Paintings like Walter Langley’s astonishing watercolour ‘Among the Missing’ depict real events in the local community – here the loss of a fishing boat: a telegram has beenposted on the wall ofNewlyn post office givingthe name of the lost boatand listing the fishermenwho were ‘among themissing’.


‘Regen’ telegraph system

The Regenerator System, or ‘Regen’, isn’t just animpressive set of instrumentswhich revolutionised the telegraph system; it feels like a living, breathing thing.The constant whirring hum it generates is evocative of another era and will transport you back in time to when the telegraph, not email, was the fastest way to communicate.

This exhibit explains the journey of a telegram from one side of the world to another. You will often find a dedicated volunteer tinkering and labouring over regen; keeping it buzzing away for another 90 years to come.

John William Waterhouse RA (1849-1917): The Lady of Shalott - from the poem by Tennyson, oil on canvas, Falmouth Art Gallery Collection. FAMAG:1923.15


School is Out Elizabeth Forbes(1859 – 1912)

Painted just before theartist’s marriage to fellowNewlyn School artist Stanhope Forbes,this much-loved paintingshows a local school as it was in 1889.

The model for the little boy crying was a boy called Richard Spargo and thetwo red-haired girlslaughing at him are hisbig sisters: schools mayhave changed, but familyrelationships probablyhaven’t!

FAMILY DAY OUT

national recognition including Keith Newstead who made this beautiful and fun automata… turn the handle and jump out of your skin when the wolf goes SNAP!


A Wolf in Sheep’s Clothing Keith Newstead (b.1956)

Falmouth is renowned for its automata makers. The “father” of the Falmouth automata makers is Peter Markey who taughtfor many years in the town.

Falmouth Art Gallery’sautomata collection incorporates many local makers of


Light interactives exhibit

What can a vanishing pig tell you about light? We’ll let you discover that for yourself! Seven interactive stations allow you to play with light; bouncing it, splitting it and mixing it.

Through these fun games and challenges adults and children can get hands-on with science; discovering how light behaves and how it can be manipulated. Discover how you use light to communicate every time you send an email or use a mobile phone with high-tech fibre optics.


The Sea King helicopter

Dress up as a pilot, immerse yourself in the daring rescues performed by these maritime rescue crews and climb aboard the 70ft Sea King helicopter, experiencing the feats of extraordinary bravery saving lives at sea.

Royal Cornwall Museum

Our Unwrapping the Past Gallery has plenty for families to enjoy with artefacts from Greek, Roman and Egyptian civilisations. Find out what job you would have had in Ancient Egypt, try building a Greek temple and have a go in our ‘Mummy Factory’.

Become an archaeologist as you play ‘Ancientopoly’, a brilliant interactive game which challenges players to travel to the Ancient World and includes lots of tasks and fun activities. Our year-round family trail encourageschildren (and their adults!) to don Pith helmets and become adventurers.

“BRILLIANT! BEST VALUE FOR MONEY OF THE WHOLE HOLIDAY” THE CREIGHTON FAMILY AGED 6 TO 60


Penlee House strives to offer an enjoyable visit for all ages, providing free quiz sheets for older children and drawing materials for younger ones, together with a trolley-full of activities to help younger visitors explore the museum.

The adjacent park also has an excellent children’s play area to let off that excess energy!


Get up close to the plants, fungi and animals of Cornwall in our Natural History Gallery.

Listen to and learn about different birdsong, discover the creatures that live on our beaches and take a close-up look at

TODDLERFUN

insects in our Discovery Area

The gallery is particularlytoddler friendly with a range of activities from puzzles and puppets toits very own seal cave!


Illustrations from Bagpuss Peter Firman (b.1928)

Falmouth Art Gallery has a wonderful collection of children’s illustrations. The collection includes popular characters such as Pugwash, Ivor the Engine and Bagpuss – one of their favourites.

When not on show the majority of the archive is kept in storage boxes designed to be easily accessible for visiting groups.


Make and take activities

The museum offers family-friendly activities every day, and themes change regularly. These always include something creative for young visitors to make and then take home to treasure, from colourful flags to Victorian paper dolls.

Dressing up boxes are another popular activitywith young families in mind, and give everyone an opportunity to put themselves into the Porthcurno story.


Survival Zone

From life rafts to lifeboats, life jackets to safety helmets,rope rescue lines and oars, the survival zone has it all and challenges you to become a hero.

Get dressed up and master the seas, letting your imagination take you on a seafaring mission to rescue whilst real stories and objects of endurance and survival surround you.

Peter Firmin (born 1928) Bagpuss Neptune - Artwork for Pippin Comic (right hand page), author: Postgate, Oliver, signed, watercolour and pencil and ink, 43 x 32.8 cms. Falmouth Art Gallery Collection. FAMAG: 2002.4.5

“A GEM OF A MUSEUM. FULL OF LOCAL AND INTERNATIONAL INTEREST.” BERNIE JONES


Eyes and No EyesFrank Bramley (1857 – 1915) Penlee House boasts thelargest single collection ofNewlyn School paintings –realist paintings in a styleinfluenced by the Europeanpainters of the day,depicting the local fishingand farming communities,often using the ‘squarebrush technique’ to bringlight and atmosphere totheir paintings.

Artists include FrankBramley, Stanhope andElizabeth Forbes, WalterLangley and Henry Scott Tuke.


Kelvin Syphon Recorder 1870This beautifully crafted instrument, described as a 145-year old inkjet printer, is on display in Porthcurno’s WW2 tunnels. It is one of only two surviving original syphon recorders used in the earliest transmission

of telegraph messages between Porthcurno and Bombay in 1870. The syphon recorder printed droplets of ink onto a special slip of paper, moving to the left or right according to the signal being sent.

It received signals much faster than earlier instruments, and only required one operator to read the signals. It was also the first time that a permanent record could be kept of the messages sent via undersea telegraph cables.

SPECIALISTOBJECTS


Along shore Fishermen By Charles Napier Hemy (1841 – 1917)

The Fal area has always been strong in maritime art. One of the great maritime painters, Charles Napier Hemy was a Falmouthresident from 1880 to 1917. He was Falmouth’s first Royal Academician and theleading maritime artist of his generation. His paintings often featured the coastline around Falmouth and he also became known for his depictions of yacht racing.


Mirror Dinghy No 1

The Maritime Museum has Mirror dinghy number 1, the very first Mirror Dinghy,so called because it was sponsored by the Daily Mirror newspaper in 1963. This cheap DIY boat made sailing available to a whole new range of family and leisure sailors.

It remains one of the most popular dinghies of all time, with over 70,000 Mirror owners world-wide and celebrates its 50th anniversary in 2013.

Simple to build and light enough to transport on a car roof, the Mirror dinghy helped make dinghy sailing more accessible to the British public.


The mineral collection at The Royal Cornwall Museum tells the story of the landscape of Cornwall and the role it has played in history.

This important collection is internationally acclaimed and there are over 1200 Cornish and World specimens on display.

“THE ROYAL CORNWALL MUSEUM IS AN ESSENTIAL PLACE TO COME TO IF YOU ARE FASCINATED BY CORNWALL.” KURT JACKSON, ARTIST

Charles Napier Hemy RA RWS (1841-1917): Along shore fishermen, signed and dated 1890, oil on canvas, Purchased with funding from the Art Fund and MLA/V&A Purchase Grant Fund. Falmouth Art Gallery Collection. FAMAG:2008.22


Orchard TambourineSir Terry Frost (1915 – 2003)

Frost was a leading Cornwall colourist, a 20th century great. He started painting while a prisoner of war in Germany 1943. 1946 he moved to St Ives, studying under Leonard Fuller. He was a member of the Penwith Society St Ives from 1950. He was elected into the Royal Academy in 1992 and knighted in 1998.


Hens amongst CornstooksHelene Schjerfbeck (1862 – 1946)

West Cornwall has been a magnet for artists for the last 150 years.Two notable art colonies flourished from the 1880s onwards, one based around Newlyn and the other at St Ives.

LOVE ARTS

Sir Terry Frost RA (1915-2003): Orchard Tambourine B, printer: Stoneman, Hugh (1947-2005), publisher: The Paragon Press, woodcut (B.A.T for an edition of 35) published 2002, The Art Fund Hugh Stoneman Archive. Falmouth Art Gallery Collection. FAMAG: 2008.26.29. © courtesy of the estate of Terry Frost.

At Penlee House you can see examples of work by artists associated with both early colonies, includingthis work by Helene Schjerfbeck, Finland’s most famous artist, who described Cornwall as the most beautiful place she’d ever seen.


Interactive Sculpture Garden

Set in beautifully landscapedgardens overlooking the museum’s historic tennis courts are six contemporarysculptures inspired by the story and the science of the telegraph.

Some are interactive; inviting visitors to experience the meetingor art and science in their own way. Utilising an original disused telegraph cable on the ocean floor ‘Soundings’ by Renny Nisbet turns electromagneticwaves into an ethereal soundscape. The sculpture gardens are free to visit all year around.


Captain William RogersSamuel Drummond(1766 – 1844)

William Rogers’ Packet ship, Windsor Castle, was attacked by the Jeune Richard while sailing to theLeeward Islands. Rogers led a strong defence and ended up capturing the Privateer, even though Packets were forbidden to take prizes.

As a reward for his bravery he was made captain of the Packet ship the Countess of Chichester, presented with a sword of honour and made a Freeman of the City of London. Following William Rogers’ celebrated heroics an all-action portrait was commissioned from the artist Samuel Drummond.


Art in depth

With a changing programme of art exhibitions there’s always something special to see at The Royal CornwallMuseum. Displays in our Fine Art Gallery are changed each year to ensure different treasures from the collection can be seen by visitors.

In 2014 the gallery will show ‘Amongst Heroes’, originally on display at Two Temple Place in London. This exhibition explores artistic representations of the Cornish figure at work between 1880 and 1920.

TIME FOR TEA


Our Waterside Café boasts the best viewin Falmouth complete with mouth-watering hot and cold food; from mussels to stargazey pie, sandwiches to scones (they are huge) to everything in between - subject to season.

Indulge in the view and the flavours or simply log in using our free wifi over a coffee.


When you’ve had a look around the gallery, why not pop into the Courtyard Deli, a short walk away in the delightful setting of Bell’s Court, just off Market Street, in the heart of Falmouth.

Sit indoors or out and enjoy delicious food from their breakfast, lunch or afternoon tea menu, served seven days a week. From home-made quiches and cakes, to tapas and cream teas, they cater for all tastes.

TIME FOR TEA


Refresh yourself with a cup of tea or coffee, ice creams and confectionary from the museum’s beautiful gift shop.

There’s also plenty of outdoor seating for picnicsand for letting off steam!

From summer 2014 the museum will offer light lunches and a mouth-watering array of cakes from its new cafe; opening alongside exciting new exhibitions.


Penlee’s delightful licenced café, The Orangery, includes a sun-bathed terrace overlooking the park.

It is open throughout Penlee’s opening hours (last orders 15 mins before closure) for morning coffee, afternoon tea with home-baked cakes, freshly prepared sandwiches, salads and light lunches.


Truro Arts café is situated next door to the museum and here you can enjoy coffee, cake and light meals.

Venture further afield to discover Truro’s manycafes and restaurants, enjoy a traditional pasty, relax over a pub lunch or treat yourself to a three course feast – there’s something for everyone.

ABOUT THE MUSEUMS

Truro

TRURO: Royal Cornwall Museum

FALMOUTH: Falmouth Art Gallery

FALMOUTH: National Maritime Museum Cornwall

PENZANCE: Penlee House Gallery & MuseumPORTHCURNO: Porthcurno Telegraph Museum

Padstow

Newquay

PlymouthSt Austell

Helston

Bodmin

FalmouthPenzance

Porthcurno

Plymouth

RoyalCornwallMuseum

A wonderful place to find out about Cornwall, it’s history and it’s cultural heritage.

Discover Cornwall’s unique culture from the ancient past to the present day aswell as artefacts from Greek, Roman and Egyptian civilisations including an unwrapped Egyptian mummy. Explore magnificent minerals, archaeology and natural history along with our impressive collection of Cornish art and British decorative art. With a busy schedule of activities, talks and lectures throughout the year along with exciting exhibitions there’s something for everybody to enjoy.

Open Mon – Sat 10am to 4.45pm, (closed bank holidays). Adults £5 (for an annual pass), children free.

River Street, Truro, TR1 2SJ 01872 272205 www.royalcornwallmuseum.org.uk @RoyalCornwall

PenleeHouseGallery & Museum

Specialising in West Cornwall’s rich cultural heritage, Penlee is home to the world’s largest collection of Newlyn School paintingsand museum artefacts covering 6000 years of the area’s history. The converted Victorian villa is set in an attractive park, complete with children’s play area. A changing programmeof exhibitions alwaysincorporates selected works from the collection, but please note there is no permanent display, so if there is something you specifically want to see, it’s worth checking what’s on display before setting out.

Open Monday – Saturday 10.00 to 5.00 Easter to end Sept, 10.30 to 4.30 rest of year. £4.50 adults, £3 concs, u18 free. Free for everyone each Saturday.

Morrab Road, Penzance, TR18 4HE 01736 363625 www.penleehouse.org.uk @PenleeHouse

PorthcurnoTelegraph Museum

Porthcurno has a unique place in history; this is where the undersea telegraph cables that linked Britain with every corner of the world came ashore. Sometimes called ‘home of the Victorian internet’ this beautiful Cornish cove also played a vital role through wartime. The museum offers interactive exhibits, live demonstrations, and family-friendly activities including things to make and take home. Don’t miss the free sculpture gardens and the famous cable hut on Porthcurno’s beautiful beach.

Open daily 10am-5pmAdults £7.20Children £4.20 U5 freeConcessions £6.50

Save 10% on entry with a valid dated bus ticket

Eastern House, Penzance, TR19 6JX 01736 810966 www.porthcurno.org.uk @ThePTM

The museum will be closing

for building work on 16th

September 2013 and re-opening

with new visitor facilities and

exhibitions in summer 2014.

Please see the website for

details of events taking place

during closure.

Gold winner Small Visitor Attraction of the Year at Cornwall Tourism Awards 2012

NationalMaritimeMuseumCornwall

Named “one of Britain’s coolest museums” by the Sunday Times the National Maritime Museum Cornwallcelebrates the sea, boats and Cornwall with 15 stunning galleries and exhibitions large & small. The museum offers hands on activities in the school holidays plus a programme of talks, lectures and workshops.

Shortlisted for Best UK Heritage Attraction at the British Travel Awards

Open daily 10am-5pm, seven days a week. Closed Christmas Day & Boxing Day.Adults £11.00, Children (0-5) free, concessions & group deals available. Pay once and get in FREE for a full 12 months.

Discovery Quay, Falmouth, TR11 3QY 01326 313388 www.nmmc.co.uk @TheNMMC

FalmouthArtGallery

Situated above the library this award winning galleryis loved by locals of all ages. The gallery has gained a national reputation for providing innovative family & community workshops winning (amongst others) The Guardian Kids in Museums Award. The gallery is home to an impressive collection of masterpieces by Henry Scott Tuke, Charles Napier Hemy and contemporary artists; a photography collection that includes work by Eve Arnold, Lee Miller and Ian Stern. It is also home to The Surrealists in Cornwall Collection and The Children’s Illustration Archive.

Open Mondays to Saturdays10am to 5pm. Free entry.

Municipal Buildings, The Moor, Falmouth, TR11 2RT 01326 313863 www.falmouthartgallery.com @falmouthartgall

With thanks to Arts Council England

for their support

A partnership project

Visit Cornwall.

little book of treasures

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successful olympic sailor