Images Dated 2016 January

Tin Figurine

A seated figurine made from tin, with a little zinc. The figurine was found in 1853, three metres below the surface on Bodwen Moor, Lanlivery, Cornwall, near the site of an old smelting house or Jews' house. Hebrew characters are still visible, variously interpreted as signifying 'Rapacious Eagle' and 'Jehovah is our King'. Jewish settlers were involved in mining and smelting, especially following the Norman invasion of England and until their expulsion by King Edward I in 1290. When it was found, the figure was wearing a crown which was lost after it was taken to Lanhydrock House. The figure was gifted to the Royal Institution of Cornwall in 1948 by Lord Robartes of Lanhydrock. 13th century. Sculptor: Unknown.

© RIC, photographer Mike Searle

The Mermaid of Zennor bench end in Zennor Church, Cornwall. Around 1925

A captain of a ship anchored off Pendower Cove believed that he was hailed by a mermaid and the people of Zennor had a mermaid figure carved on a bench end in Zennor Church as a warning to young men against 'smiling pon the maidens in church'. Glass lantern slide from a lecture, entitled 'Some Historic Cornish Beauty Spots', given by Cornishman and amateur photographer, Major Arthur William Gill, in around 1925. He was well known in Cornwall and elsewhere during the 1920s and 1930s for his presentations of stills and cine film to many groups including The Royal Institution of Cornwall, Royal Cornwall Polytechnic Society and the London Cornish Society. The quarter plate slides which he took prolifically with his 'ordinary camera' are, in many cases, colour. These were painted by his own hand to great effect.

© From the collection of the RIC

Gyllyngdune, Falmouth, Cornwall. Early 1900s

The Look-Out at Gyllngdune. Street leading through narrow tunnel under bridge, showing Look-Out building on bridge above. Two schoolboys posing for camera at tunnel entrance. Photographer: Arthur Philp.

© From the collection of the RIC

Cornish