by Lisa Di Tommaso | May 30, 2026 | Blog, Exhibition, Images, Morrab Library
After our first display of the library’s copy of the Great Bible in our new exhibition case over the last few months, it is now time for it to return to storage and be rested, while we unveil our second exhibition.
For over two centuries, our library collections have grown through donations, bequests and purchases, creating a somewhat serendipitous array of manuscripts, correspondence and volumes. As a result, a number of notable people’s signatures have been discovered, and we are excited to exhibit just a few in this display.
Ernest Shackleton: Pig Book (1908-1909), MOR/COL/32
A Pig Book was an autograph book, popular in Edwardian times, which houseguests were invited to sign after having drawn a pig whilst blindfolded. It contains many signatures, including Ellen Terry, J.M. Barrie, Robert Baden Powell, Robert Falcon Scott and this one, from Ernest Shackleton (1874–1922) , the great Antarctic explorer.
Charlotte Bronte (1816-55), MOR/BRO/1
A letter from Charlotte to her friend Ellen Nussey, dated c. October 1851. It mentions a family cow and the dangers of doctors!
Donated by Prebendary Hedgeland, Honorary Librarian 1882 – 1889.
William Wordsworth (1770 – 1850): Letter to Hugh Seymour Tremenheere, 16th December, 1845 TR2/59B
As well as belonging to a distinguished Cornish family, Tremenheere (1804-1903) was an academic, barrister and worked as an inspector of both mines and schools. It is in the latter capacity that Wordsworth writes to him to suggest that “Knowledge inculcated by the Teacher or derived under her management from books” may be “too exclusively dwelt upon, so as almost to put of sight that which comes without being sought for from intercourse with nature”. And he goes on to say that “too little attention is paid to books of imagination” for “we must not only have knowledge, but the means of wielding it” which is done “more through the imaginative faculty assisting both in the collection and application of facts than is generally believed”. The importance of the imagination and experiencing the natural world, particularly for children, is ever present in Wordsworth’s oeuvre, and in his own poetic and personal growth as depicted in works like The Prelude.
William Ewart Gladstone (1809-1898): Signed letter to Hugh Seymour Tremenheere, TR2/62/82
When appointed a CB (Companion of the Most Honorable Order of the Bath) in 1871, Tremenheere wrote to the Prime Minister to complain that the mere title of ‘Inspector of Mines’ in the official announcement did not fully recognise the extent of his public service. Gladstone signed the reply to Tremenheere, confirming the oversight could not be altered, while acknowledging that his public services were duly appreciated by the Government and also, he thought, recognised more widely.
Charles Kingsley (1819 to 1875): Letter to Hugh Seymour Tremenheere, TR2/62/110
The year before his death in 1875, whilst Canon of Westminster, the Devon author Charles Kingsley (Water Babies and Westward Ho!) wrote to Tremenheere, praising the latter’s cousin, William Copeland Borlase (1848 – 1899), on his book on Cornish tin. Kingsley apologises for his bad hand writing – attributed to whitlow on his middle finger!
John le Carré (1931-2020): signed text of his inauguration speech when becoming President of the Morrab Library, 1997, LIB/114
David Cornwell, better known by his pen name John le Carré, was a passionate supporter and friend of Morrab Library for many years. As well as holding the role of President from 1997-2002, he later continued for many years as our Patron. His relationship with the Library stretched even further back to the 1970’s. On the occasion of his taking on the role of President of the library in February 1992, Mr le Carré made a charming and insightful speech, providing insight into his own life as well as his obvious love for the Morrab. A full text of the speech can be found John Le Carre President speech 1997.
Winston Graham (1908-2003): Christmas card to friends, undated, LIT/17/2
Winston Graham is best known for his Poldark series of historical novels set in Cornwall, though he also wrote numerous other works, including contemporary thrillers, period novels, short stories, non-fiction and plays. He was great friends with Stella (1925 – 2017) and Frank (1911-1996) Turk, renowned naturalists and scientists, and members of the library. This Christmas card from Mr. Graham is to the Turks. We’ve also included a photograph sent to the Turks showing Mr Graham alongside the actor John Bowe, who took on the role of Poldark for television in 1996.
by Lisa Di Tommaso | May 27, 2026 | Blog, Morrab Library
I first applied to do work experience at the Morrab Library in December last year. I was nervous at first, although I was excited to secure the place at this prestigious library- hidden away in the vibrant Morrab Gardens. My main interests are History & English, this is also another reason why the Morrab Library is an incredible place, with an extensive collection of books for any subject that you show interest in. It also has an extensive amount of historic photos and pieces of artwork- some available to view and study.
As soon as I arrived I was greeted with a warm smile as usual from Lisa, and was made to feel very welcome instantly. Clear guidance and information was provided and then I was straight off to start work. I started off with two experienced volunteers, both called Jane. I learnt a bit about the Dewey cataloging system, both Janes were very au fait with this and provided useful guidance to help familiarise myself with it and how spine labels worked, which are used in the Morrab Library to shelve books in the correct order and genre. I also got to catalogue my essay on ‘Cornwall At War’, which will be kept at the Morrab Library for the future to come. Later that day I was fortunate enough to take a trip down to the archive with Maggie, another wonderful volunteer, familiar with the archive environment. I helped to filter through sources used to write a book about the Bronte Family- then I assisted in the covering, wrapping and shelving of an aged and precious painting.
It is interesting to observe how the library still uses stamps and book tags to check books in/out. It’s an old but reliable system that has been trusted for many generations. It’s also one of the factors which separates this library from all of the others. It’s the little things which people notice and make a difference in this vast world.
I ventured upstairs to another location I had not yet had the chance to see, the Photo Archive. This is where the team scans, and upload historic photos, even post cards and more! Currently there are over 17,000 photos on the online Morrab Library photo archive. I learnt the precious skill of scanning, editing and describing the artefacts on the site. That morning I worked with Ashley who is very knowledgeable and has a great sense of humour, we both had a good laugh together! The archive is such a significant part of the Morrab Library, as it represents the history from all around Cornwall which otherwise would possibly never be seen!
On Friday, my penultimate day, I spent the morning in the basement in the Conservation room, where books are taken to be repaired if they are fragile or broken. This means that they can still be accessed and viewed for future generations. I felt very privileged to view a 1914 edition of the Illustrated London News, showing me a piece of history preserved right here in Penzance. I had the opportunity to do a small spine repair on a damaged book using specialised paper to match up the colours, and glue to ensure it does not break again. I also witnessed how they price and choose whether to keep or sell books to raise money for the library. Depending on whether they have a duplicate in stock or whether they have been taken out on loan recently- all of these are significant factors in ensuring that the Morrab has a wide variety of literature available.
All of the volunteers and staff are equally as knowledgeable and cordial as each other, every one of them I personally want to thank for taking me in and taking the time to teach me new skills and valuable lessons that will stay with me for life. In particular, I have Lisa Di Tommaso to thank for this tremendous experience. From the very start when we joined as members, she has always been warm, welcoming, and is a great person to have a laugh with. I would say that she is the mum of the Library, bringing a smile to everyone, even to the people who have had the worst of days.
Coby Smart, Year 10.
by Lisa Di Tommaso | May 24, 2026 | Blog, Images, Morrab Library, Photographic Archive
Here is the second in a series of blogs written by our Photo Archive intern Sam Hill. Read on to discover more about the relationship between humans and marine creatures, told through our photographic collections.
Warning: This blog features images of marine animals in distress.
The maritime communities of Cornwall are no strangers to creatures of the deep. For centuries, brave fishermen have spun yarns and stories of mermaids, sea serpents, and spectral ships, but what happens when these creatures are captured on film and preserved in the archive?
Okay, I would be lying to you if I said that mermaids and sea monsters had been captured on camera. But Cornish men and women have faced REAL monsters of the deep. This blog will use photographic evidence to explore the various ways maritime communities interacted with “creatures of the deep” and what this can reveal about their relationship with marine wildlife.
One of the major means of interaction is through fishing. The fishing industry was primarily concerned with pilchards, mackerel and herring, but in many cases, larger animals were also caught. This is apparent in image 1, as the photo encapsulates how a hardy Cornish fisherman has reacted to capturing such a huge lobster- by stoically scowling and smoking a cigarette (presumably to calm his nerves!).
Image 1: Fisherman Holding a Large Lobster, 1911-30. https://photoarchive.morrablibrary.org.uk/items/show/11276
In some cases, fishermen revelled in the opportunity to pose with creatures captured at sea. Image 2 displays the sheer pride of the men capturing a Blue Shark along the coast. The capture of these creatures of the deep caused additional logistical problems for fishermen trying to get their catch to market, with Image 3 demonstrating how a large sturgeon caused a hand-drawn cart to be hauled by three able workmen!
Image 2: Captured Blue Shark held by Crewmen, 1934. https://photoarchive.morrablibrary.org.uk/items/show/11287
Image 3: Men with Sturgeon, 1936 https://photoarchive.morrablibrary.org.uk/items/show/11297
A second, yet unfortunate way these interactions occurred was through animals becoming stranded on Cornwall’s beaches. The use of photography to capture these events reveals the morbid curiosity of people to examine the appearance, size, and number of creatures that washed up on nearby shores.
Image 4: Group Looking at Basking Shark, Lighthouse Pier, Newlyn https://photoarchive.morrablibrary.org.uk/items/show/11280
Image 5: Crowd, beached whales Eastern Green Beach https://photoarchive.morrablibrary.org.uk/items/show/11266
This curiosity is vividly captured in Images 4 and 5. In both photographs, well-dressed crowds gather to observe the fate of a pod of whales and a basking shark. This fascination a nd the event itself led to the stranded whales being depicted in the postcards shown in Images 6 and 7.
Image 6: Postcard, Whales Stranded in Mounts Bay https://photoarchive.morrablibrary.org.uk/items/show/16793
Image 7: Postcard Whales Stranded in Mount’s Bay https://photoarchive.morrablibrary.org.uk/items/show/16792
A further way in which communities interacted with such animals was through the imagination of local people. This links back to the yarn-spinning of yesteryear, but the technology of the 20th century encapsulated how people created and showed off these so-called “creatures of the deep.”
A so-called “shark” was presented to a puzzled yet intrigued crowd on a beach in Image 8. The image shows how a group of fishermen or sailors clearly saw a humorous opportunity to carve a piece of driftwood to appear as a captured basking shark. This type of hoax was repeated years later, as Image 9 shows a proud group of men holding a very strange animal “captured” from the deep.
Image 8: Group of People Looking at a Wooden Shark https://photoarchive.morrablibrary.org.uk/items/show/18606
Image 9: Men Holding Wooden Shark https://photoarchive.morrablibrary.org.uk/items/show/20140
The use of the Morrab’s Photo Archive reveals the various interactions that maritime communities had to the maritime wildlife of the area. The photographs’ ability to capture the visual reactions, the fascination, and the imagination of people of these intriguing occurrences are very important for understanding how our own reactions to such animals have been shaped.
If you are interested in marine wildlife, maritime communities, or photographs more generally, I would implore you to take time to look through the Photo Archive held by the Morrab Library, all available to search for free via their website: https://morrablibrary.org.uk/photo-archive/
Sam Hill
by Lisa Di Tommaso | May 17, 2026 | Images, Morrab Library, News, Photographic Archive
Hello readers!
My name is Samuel Hill, and I’m a History PhD student from the University of Exeter. As a requirement of my PhD being funded by the ESRC SWDTP (Economic and Social Research Centre Southwest Doctoral Training Program), I have the requirement of undertaking a three months’ work placement within any institution of my choice – with my choice being Morrab Library!
My main historical interests are the social history of the southwest, with my thesis exploring the lives of maritime communities in Devon, Cornwall, and the Isles of Scilly between 1750 and 1899. My thesis is exploring the various acts of resistance like smuggling, wrecking, and food rioting during times of social and economic hardship.
The reason I chose the Morrab Library for my work placement was simple. Throughout my studies, I have made numerous trips to Penzance to use the library’s broad collection of historical documents and books. Like many who use the library, I have a great fondness for the library’s incredible building, gardens, and the amazing staff who have always made me feel very welcome and supported!
My role within the library will see me work within the Morrab’s Photo Archive. The archive possesses over 17,000 photos from the local area and beyond, and it beautifully details a wide range of subjects including agriculture, community life, hobbies, leisure, working lives, schools and youth groups, transport, and even a good section on cats!
Fortunately for me, the Photo Archive possesses a broad range of photographs that beautifully illustrate the lives of maritime communities within the region. My role will be to continue to update the tags and descriptions of the collection, with my particular focus being on the fascinating range of shipwreck photos. During my time here, I will be writing blogs, an article, and deliver a talk that uses the photographic evidence to illustrate the lived experiences of these unique communities.
I hope that these blogs are of particular interest to visitors of the library and that the photos you see within the blogs inspire you to have a look at the collection! You can view them here via this link: https://morrablibrary.org.uk/photo-archive/
The Photo Archives team are available to visit in the library on Thursday mornings between 10.00am and 1.00pm, so drop in to say hello and find out more about the collections.
by Lisa Di Tommaso | Mar 24, 2026 | Blog, Morrab Library
We are excited to tell you about a special new addition to the library – a purpose built display case. This will allow us to install a rotating exhibition of rare and important treasures from our book and archive collections, which are usually kept locked away in secure and environmentally protected storage. You’ll find it on the first floor at the top of the staircase.
We wanted to find a way to ensure that our members and visitors not only knew about the special collections we hold in the library, but to be able to see and learn about them.
This new display case came to us via a bequest from the late Dr. Stephen Clark, much-loved life member, volunteer and former Trustee, who passed away on the 2nd of March, 2022. Steve loved the Morrab Library, volunteering for reception desk duty, joining the library’s Book Selection Committee, as well as being a founding member of the Library’s Poetry Group. His fresh-baked cakes were legendary. You can read more about Steve here.
Our biggest dilemma was deciding which of our collections we would display first, from a choice of hundreds. We settled on Henry VIII’s Great Bible of 1539. A donation to the library, it is a significant historical work, and asks all sorts of questions about when it came to the library and from whom. It is just one of thousands of historical books held in our special collections. Members and researchers are welcome to view these books, by appointment. And while we wait for them to be listed electronically through our library management system, KOHA, in the next few years, they are currently searchable in our card catalogue, and we also hold a separate listing. Staff will be able to help you discover our holdings.
We look forward to bringing you treasures from the collections in the coming months.
Read on to find out more about this important work.
The Great Bible (London), 1539
E220.5201
The Great Bible, so called because of its size, was the first royally commissioned printed Bible in English. The title page shows Henry VIII, seated on his throne, presenting a Bible in either hand to clerics on the one side and laymen on the other. Below to the left and right are Thomas Cranmer, Archbishop of Canterbury, and Thomas Cromwell distributing Bibles. This picture conveyed an important political message: that the Pope’s authority over the Church in England had been replaced by Henry VIII’s royal supremacy, and that the Bible should be accessible to the poorest subjects in the realm.
Despite the best efforts of one of our volunteers, we weren’t able to establish the complete provenance of the copy we hold, although we do know it belonged to the Borlase family, with a George Borlase of Penzance signing his name in it in 1758, near to what appears to be a calculation of the age of the Bible at the time of ownership (1758-1539 = 219). George’s signature appears again with a date beginning “175”, but during later conservation the recto side of the page was severed, cutting off the last number.
The most likely George Borlase of Penzance is the son of John Borlase of Pendeen (1666-1755). The latter was also the father of Walter Borlase of Castle Horneck and William Borlase of Ludgvan. George was born in St Just in 1697, lived in Penzance, and died in Kent in 1769.
The frontispiece of the Bible has the arms of the Borlase family with ‘John Borlase of Helston’ written below. There are two possible owners of this bookplate . One, John Borlase (1764-1844), was an attorney, the son of George Borlase b. 1725. The latter was the son of the aforementioned George Borlase.
The second was John Borlase (1795-1879), a surgeon in Helston. He was the son of John Bingham Borlase (1753-1813), whose father was Walter Borlase, who was the son of the aforementioned George who signed the Bible.
All available copies of the Borlase family’s Wills have been examined but no mention of the Great Bible is made in any of them.
Information courtesy of Kay Line, Library volunteer, March 2026.
by Lisa Di Tommaso | Dec 5, 2025 | Blog, Morrab Library, News
Photo: Ian Kingsnorth
We are excited to say that The Sunday Times has named The Morrab Library as one of the UK’s most enchanting libraries! We are in some illustrious company too.
Of course, it’s no secret to those who already know about our beloved library, but now many more people know too!
