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

Cornwall Pictorial Guide of Places to Visit and Tourist Map

folded printed on both sides

PEZPH : 1991.161
Social History


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Coronation celebrations poster

Poster relating to decorations in the town for the Coronation celebrations in 1953 and offering prizes in various sections.

PEZPH : 1976.340
Social History


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Coronation dance poster

Poster advertising a Coronation dance at St John's Hall, 3.6.1953.

PEZPH : 1976.341
Social History


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Coronation document

Order of service for use on the day of the coronation of King George V.

PEZPH : 1987.157
Social History


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Coronation mug

china mug commemorating the Coronation of George V. There are transfer photographs of King George V and Queen Mary with a crown above and flags either side. Underneath are written the words 'King George V crowned June 1911 Queen Mary'. On reverse is the Penzance Town crest (head of John the Baptist) and the words 'A K Barnett, CC, FGS, Mayor 1911'. Makers mark on base.

PEZPH : 1998.307
Social History


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Coronation mug

Souvenir Coronation mug for Queen Elizabeth II, June 2nd 1953. White china with coloured decoration

PEZPH : 1984.44
Social History


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Coronation of William and Adelaide

monarchs head on face, mythical crowning scences on reverse

PEZPH : 1991.14
Social History


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Coronation programme

programme of the ceremonies at the commemoration of Queen Victoria's Jubilee in Penzance

PEZPH : 1987.62
Social History


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Coronation programme, Borough of Penzance

red, blue, gold, cover with crown

PEZPH : 1991.1167
Social History


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Coronation programme, Borough of Penzance

Coronation programme, Borough of Penzance, red, blue, gold cover, 1953

PEZPH : 1991.1075
Social History


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Cream canister

Tin canister to hold cream. Has a brass plug in top, attached by a chain. Spout at corner to pour with. Brass label on top which reads 'Cream'. Part of a set contained within a metal lunch box, or crowst tin. See 1976.45.1.

PEZPH : 1976.45.9
Social History


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Cream jug, souvenir ware china

water pitcher with straight sides and right-angled handle. Has the Penzance crest on a turquoise background with yellow surround. Sticker reads 1701 0200.

PEZPH : 1998.171
Social History


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Cresset / tin measure

Stone bowl

PEZPH : 1975.284
Social History


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Cresset early lamp

Cresset lamp with stone bowl

PEZPH : 1975.253
Social History


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Cresta dress

bright blue fluted, sleeveless dress made by Cresta. Drawstring tie around neck. Length has possibly been altered

PEZPH : 1999.139
Social History


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Cresta fabric

Cresta fabric, Fishes pattern

PEZPH : 2000.46
Social History


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Cresta fabric length

Cresta fabric length, Pitcher pattern

PEZPH : 2000.45
Social History


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