The museum’s most recent acquisitions include:
- Mary sails to St Agnes
The Museum has bought at auction a pierhead-style painting of the schooner Mary. Built for Martin Tredinnick Hitchins, owner of St Agnes harbour and a fleet of ships, the schooner included the Lady Agnes whose charismatic figurehead is already on display at the Museum.
The Mary was launched by Martin Hitchins’ daughter Mary, after whom she was named, on 10 November 1855. Originally two-masted and with a length of 68 feet (21 metres), she was lengthened and had a third mast added in 1870/71. Sadly she sank following a collision on 20 January 1890.
Her Captain from 1871 was Captain Robert Radcliffe, great great grandfather of our Chairman, Roger Radcliffe, who for many years has loaned Robert’s Master’s Certificate of Competency and its canister to the Museum.
The Mary has now been installed in the Maritime cabinet close to the Certificate and the figurehead.
- 19th century samplers
A selection of 19th century samplers, including those worked by two children called Clara Tredinnick (from a local family), and Emily Cann. The samplers were produced while Clara and Emily were attending St Agnes School. The headmistress of St Agnes girls’ school, Mrs Harris, eventually ran her own school in Rosemundy. - Items from Trevaunance Masonic Lodge
Including an apron, gloves and booklets - Wheal Kitty Ltd vegetable dish
On loan, with thanks to Carl Soper. The vegetable dish complements the coffee service which the museum received last year - John Opie commemorative mug
Donated by Graham Bunney, this fine china mug is decorated with a copy of John Opie’s self portrait on one side, and the words A Cornish Wonder on the other - Items from St Agnes Pottery
- Linen-backed maps of St Agnes area
- Hocking longcase clock
- Tea cosy belonging to Fanny Lockett