Black and white

Acc.no: PEZPH : 2016.50.503

Identification

Item: West Penwith Cottage Interior 1880

Description: The interior of a West Penwith cottage living room. The floor covering would have been linoleum which was widely used at this time as it was cheap, durable, cleanable, water resistant and reduced breakage of china. A rag rug is in front of the Cornish range (a new one would be made each winter) and a 'shaggy' rug in the foreground near the table. The range is probably from Holman's St Just, with decorated iron and brass work with fender in front. The oven is to the right, grate to the left, slab 30" wide which was the hot plate. Overall width was 36", and the kettle and sauce pans were heated on top, as was the flat iron. The rack above was for heating plates, drying clothes etc and would have sold for 35 shillings (about £225 in 2017) by Holman's of Camborne. In the china cabinet to the left would be crockery for every day use and special occasions, cutlery in the drawers and other items underneath. The table was covered with a heavy cloth which would have been removed for meals and possibly covered by an oil cloth. The cupboard to the right would have housed brooms etc. The large pictures on the wall are possibly lithographs and the small pictures family photographs. The long case wall clock would have contained workings which were mass produced at the time, possibly American or Swiss and cases were often added in the UK. The table cloth would have been chenille and the curtains light cotton. The ceiling probably had a coffin trap in the centre.

Condition: Good

Description

Material: Photographic paper

Production

Method: Printed

Category: Photography

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