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.

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A space to learn

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

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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.

B/w print

Acc.no: PEZPH : 1990.1601


Identification

Description: This is a photograph of a wood carving of a mermaid on the end of a small pew in Zennor Church. Aphrodite was goddess of the sea and of love. She is depicted holding a quince and a comb. The quince was subsequently replaced by a mirror, a symbol of vanity and heartlessness. She was seen by medieval Christians as a symbol of lust and a warning against the sins of the flesh. Amongst seafaring communities, she illustrated the two natures of Christ, human and divine; human and fish like.

Condition: Good -


Description

Height: Mm

Width: Mm

Material: Photograph


Production

Method: Printed


If you are interested in learning more about this item please contact us and reference "PEZPH : 1990.1601"

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Penlee House is a beautiful art gallery and museum, set within sub-tropical gardens, with a great café.

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Welcome to  Penlee House Gallery & Museum

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Our vibrant exhibition programme celebrates the nationally important art and history of West Cornwall.

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Learning

Learning

From school visits to family activities, talks and walks, there are plenty of learning opportunities at Penlee House.

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Welcome to  Penlee House Gallery & Museum

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