Life jacket made from cork and mobile office among nominees for Cornish Object of the Year
You can vote for your favourite!
Last updated 4th Feb 2025
A 27-foot-long bus called Poppy, a 200-year-old life jacket made from cork, and a glistening ornament crafted from Cornish tin are among the nominations for Cornwall's Object of the Year Award 2025.
Six treasures from museums, galleries, and historic properties across the county have been nominated for the award, which is decided by a public vote.
It's part of the Cornwall Heritage Awards.
Councillor Carol Mould, Portfolio Holder for Neighbourhoods at Cornwall Council, said: "These awards are all about celebrating Cornwall’s museums which play such an important role in preserving our culture and heritage.
“Cornish people have always been innovative, creative and resourceful and these fabulous objects certainly reflect that.
"Please do vote for your favourite and continue to support our museums which help keep our history alive.”
Let's take a look at the nominations:
Life Saving Equipment by Henry Trengrouse from the Museum of Cornish Life
In 1807, cabinet-maker Henry Trengrouse witnessed the wreck of the HMS Anson and the loss of over 100 lives at Loe Bar.
He designed equipment that would prevent future tragic loss of life at shore... made entirely of cork.
1950s Mobile Telegraph Office; Poppy PK from PK Porthcurno Museum of Global Communications
Poppy, a 27-foot-long Mobile Telegraph Office, revolutionised communication at major sporting events in the 1950s.
Originally used by the General Post Office, she now serves as a unique part of PK Porthcurno’s outreach programme, bringing telecommunications history to life at schools and events across Cornwall.
The Jane Slade by Reuben Chappell from National Maritime Museum Cornwall
The Jane Slade painting celebrates a pioneering businesswoman and her family's shipbuilding legacy.
Immortalized by Reuben Chappell, the artwork inspired Daphne Du Maurier's first novel.
Lanhydrock epergne from the National Trust at Lanhydrock
A crafted tin epergne/centrepiece was presented to the Robartes family of Lanhydrock in 1869 by the miners of Redruth to thank them for establishing and supporting the Miners’ Infirmary.
It's made entirely of Cornish tin.
Prototype Hicks Reel Beach Life Saving Equipment from St Agnes Museum
Designed by Cyril Hicks in St Agnes, 1959, this life-saving reel was designed to be portable, with 250 metres of line, to be used on unpatrolled beaches.
Careful instructions and diagrams were provided inside the lid to allow it to be used safely by the public- very similar to the lifebuoys we see station around large bodies of water today.
Hawker's Shepherd's Lantern from The Castle, Bude
A shepherd’s lantern belonging to Cornish poet Reverand R.S. Hawker.
Hawker wrote The Song of the Western Men, otherwise known as the Cornish anthem, Trelawny.
He was the Vicar for the parish of Morwenstow for many years, where he lived at the vicarage.
Be sure to vote for your favourite object here!