On 8 December 2016 Liz and Tom Thompson set off for an Antiques Sale at David Lay’s , Penzance, with a formidable “War Chest” in the hope of buying a very old and extremely rare photo album containing at least 34 wonderful early images of St Agnes (there may be more, as we have not yet identified all the places) amongst similar photos of other Cornish sites, and some from outside the County. The album dates from the pre-postcard era.
Among the photos are many of boats in and around the harbour, a team of horses hauling a boat, Bawden Rocks, Nobel’s Explosive’s traction engine at Trevaunance Cove, the newly-built Mount Hawke Church, and a view of Peterville. Some are faded but many are in good condition. The album itself is large and leatherbound.
To the Committee’s great relief, the interest was less than anticipated and we were able to buy this important addition to the Museum collection for the hammer price of £250, just a little above the Auctioneer’s lower estimate.