Photograph

Acc.no: PEZPH : 1990.754

Identification

Item: The Penzance-Isles of Scilly Royal Mail Steamer 'Lyonnesse' dressed with two strings of flag hoists, off the extension pier, Penzance.

Description: The Penzance-Isles of Scilly Royal Mail Steamer 'Lyonnesse' flying two strings of flag, off the extension pier, Penzance. It is impossible to tell whether she is arriving or leaving the pier as there is no apparent bow wave or wash. It is unclear why the pier head is packed with onlookers or why the 'Lyonnesse' is decorated in this way, but it might have been linked to the dramatic ownership change which took place in 1907. When the major shareholders decided to wind up the company as their steamers were not making profits, their manager, John Banfield felt they had a moral obligation to serve their neighbours in the Isles of Scilly. With the backing of a number of other shareholders, John Banfield purchased the 'Lyonnesse' becoming her registered owner on July 7 1907; subsequently forming a new company with the same name which became the registered owner of the vessel on 21 October 1907.

Description

Production

Category: Photography

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