Visit Penlee House & Museum

Penlee House is a gallery, museum, cafe and shop. Situated within Penlee Park, a space to reflect and great for family visits.

Click on the links on the right to find out more.

A space for exhibitions & events

Alongside our Exhibition programme we run a variety of community events and workshops. The Newlyn School and Social history galleries change often. Find out what’s on.

Click on the links on the right to find out more.

A space to learn

Penlee House is committed to lifelong learning. We run workshops for all age groups and offer a school workshop programme.

Click on the links on the right to find out more.

A space for all

Built in 1865, as the home of the Branwell family. Penlee House is home to many paintings by members of the Newlyn School. It is also home to the Penzance Natural History and Antiquarian Society collection.

Click on the links on the right to find out more.

You can search and browse our collections online. We also have a section dedicated to the Newlyn School.

Browse Our Collections

Explore thousands of objects from the Penlee House collections.

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Found 2003 objects in the category Social History

Voluntary Service Medal 1914-1919

Voluntary Service Medal 1914-1919 awarded to Richard Woolcock

PEZPH : 1991.153.4.1
Social History


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Waistcoat

PEZPH : 1990.661
Social History


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Waist petticoat

cotton, lace tiered gathered petticoat, narrow frills of bottom four tiers

PEZPH : 1990.1608
Social History


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Warming pan

copper warming pan with turned hard-wood handle

PEZPH : 1976.489
Social History


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Washboard

wooden and metal washboard with "Northern Queen" written on it.

PEZPH : 1989.1020
Social History


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Washing bowl

Earthenware washing bowl with soap drainer, brown interior glaze, soap drainer with two holes, scored double line decoration outside

PEZPH : 1983.6
Social History


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Washing machine 'Roleo' for rubbing washing on wash board

washing machine for domestic use

PEZPH : 1990.583
Social History


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Washing machine, hand operated

stands on four wooden legs, large cast iron handle to operate. painted green.

PEZPH : 1989.1016
Social History


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Watering can, souvenir ware china

china watering can with Penzance crest, torquoise background

PEZPH : 1998.47
Social History


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Water jug, possibly Swansea or Bristol

China water jug with blue transfer design, possibly Swansea or Bristol. Modelled on a metal jug, unusual in having a handle on top.

PEZPH : 1989.34
Social History


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Water rate 1/7d. in the pound

water rate 1/7d. in the pound

PEZPH : 1989.909
Social History


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Wax impression

wax impression of Marazion Town seal, inscribed MARGHASION.

PEZPH : 1976.439
Social History


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Wax seal

Red wax seal of the Duchy of Cornwall, held in hide surround.

PEZPH : 1976.442
Social History


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Wax seal

Red wax seal of the Archdeacon of Cornwall showing angel standing above shield with lettering around circumference. The Seal of William John Phillpotts Archdeacon of Cornwall

PEZPH : 1976.443
Social History


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Wax seal on a piece of card

PEZPH : 1991.10
Social History


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Wax seals

fourteen various some with local significance, on one piece of card 113 mm x 74 mm

PEZPH : 1991.11.1-14
Social History


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Way bill

way bill for tin Trereife smelting house, 24.1.1827.

PEZPH : 1976.394.1
Social History


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West Cornwall tourist guide for autumn, winter and spring

a tourist guide for the West Cornwall area, printed in colour and contains map, places of interest, accommodation and booking form. It measures 300 x 220mm

PEZPH : 1991.516
Social History


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