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.

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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.

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

Magic lantern slide

Acc.no: PEZPH : 2009.455


Identification

Item: A spinning wheel in the kitchen of Mary Nance, Isles of Scilly

Description: This is the kitchen of Mrs Mary Nance' cottage on St Mary's, Isles of Scilly. Wool production was an organised home industry which gave a respectable living to the islander. Gibson made an effort to record everyday happenings such as this so that the way of life would not be forgotten. The hide of the animal would be treated and made into clothing, shoes, buckets, etc. The flesh would be eaten, the bones and blood used as manure. Natural daylight illuminates the spinning wheel as oil to light lanterns was rather precious, and smelly. Another photographs shows Mary Nance carding the wool in preparation for spinning.


Description

Height: 73 mm

Width: 76 mm

Material: Glass plate


Production

Method: Printed

Date: 1893


If you are interested in learning more about this item please contact us and reference "PEZPH : 2009.455"

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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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