The Morrab Library

Pillas: Our forgotten grain - a talk by Harriet Gendall
2023-09-13 14:00 - 15:00 (Europe/London) | Morrab Library
“Pillas”—wrote Morton Nance in 1930— “sometimes called “pill-corn” or “naked oats, […] smaller than oats and without husk, was formerly a common crop in Cornwall, but seems now to have become quite extinct.” In earlier centuries, adventurers and botanists described this intriguing grain as cultivated in abundance near Land’s End, where it thrived on marginal soils. It made a hearty porridge known as ‘pillas-gerts’ and was used to fatten pigs and calves, while thatching-rope and bonnets were woven from its fine straw. But by the mid-nineteenth century it was gone from Cornish fields.
This year—for the first time in over 150 years—pillas is being harvested in Penwith. Its remarkable survival in seedbanks has enabled ethnobotanical researcher Harriet Gendall to explore its reintroduction, in partnership with local farmers and growers.
Join us in hearing about her journey with pillas, as well as it’s forgotten history and complex entanglement with Cornish identity—including a fascinating twist involving Morrab’s very own Head Gardener William Watson (1929-1951).
Entry to the talk is by ballot – please email enquiries@morrablibrary.org.uk or call 01736 364474 by Monday 4th September to enter. We will let you know if you have been successful or not.
We ask for a £5 donation on entry to help support the library. Refreshments will be served after the talk.

Another Seaweed Pressing Workshop - 9th September
2023-09-09 11:30 - 15:30
Due to popular demand,The Seaweed Institute is running a second seaweed pressing workshop at the library on Saturday 9th September from 11.30am – 3.30pm.
Seaweed pressing is a Victorian practice that captures the underwater beauty of seaweeds. The workshop will begin at Morrab Library. From the library the group will walk together to the foreshore of Mounts Bay. The seaweed ecosystem will be exposed for you to explore and search for the seaweed you will use in your own pressings. Whilst on the beach the team from The Seaweed Institute will explain to you about sustainable harvesting, tides and point out edible species.
Back at the library there will be an opportunity to view the beautiful examples of historic seaweed pressings in Morrab Library’s collection. Our archive is home to some incredible bound examples of original pressings collected in Mounts Bay. The cultural history of seaweeds will be discussed and you will learn how to forage, store and use this abundant resource. With inspiration from the archives you will start the pressing process. After laying out designs they will be loaded into the seaweed press where they will dry over the next weeks. The Seaweed Institute will then send your pieces to in the post when they are ready.
Tickets are available to book via the link: here

Creative Workshop (often with a lettering focus)
2023-09-08 14:30 - 15:30
In this session, we’ll play with Pentel Mattehop pens and Dual Metallic brush and gel pens. Ticket price (£10) includes refreshments and a selection of pens
Emma Farley is a local feminist bookworm and stationery addict, encouraging women to explore the joys of reading and journaling to feel inspired, empowered and improve their mental wellbeing. Through her workshops, Emma provides an introduction to journaling and modern calligraphy in the context of mindfulness, building self-esteem, goal setting and more, all while having fun with pen and paper.

Booking is essential. Email Emma directly to ask any questions and to book your ticket: e.farley27@gmail.com
Find out more on Emma’s website: https://acornishgeek.com/2017/03/19/welcome-to-a-cornish-geek/

Creative Journaling (monthly check-in)
2023-09-08 01:15 - 02:15, 2023-07-21 13:15 - 14:30
De-clutter your mind and get organised with this monthly session. Bring your own notebook and pen and discover how using pen and paper can help improve your wellbeing. Reflect on the last month and set goals and build healthy habits for the coming weeks with a brew and biscuit.
Emma Farley is a local feminist bookworm and stationery addict, encouraging women to explore the joys of reading and journaling to feel inspired, empowered and improve their mental wellbeing. Through her workshops, Emma provides an introduction to journaling and modern calligraphy in the context of mindfulness, building self-esteem, goal setting and more, all while having fun with pen and paper.
£5. Booking is essential. Email Emma directly to ask any questions and to book your ticket: e.farley27@gmail.com
Find out more on Emma’s website: https://acornishgeek.com/2017/03/19/welcome-to-a-cornish-geek/

FULLY BOOKED - Seaweed Pressing with The Seaweed Institute
2023-09-02 11:30 - 15:30
THIS EVENT IS NOW FULLY BOOKED
The Seaweed Institute is running a seaweed pressing workshop at the library on Saturday 2nd September from 11.30am – 3.30pm.
Seaweed pressing is a Victorian practice that captures the underwater beauty of seaweeds. The workshop will begin at Morrab Library. From the library the group will walk together to the foreshore of Mounts Bay. The 2nd September is a spring low tide, so the seaweed ecosystem will be fully exposed for you to explore and search for the seaweed you will use in your own pressings. Whilst on the beach the team from The Seaweed Institute will explain to you about sustainable harvesting, tides and point out edible species.
Back at the library there will be an opportunity to view the beautiful examples of historic seaweed pressings in Morrab Library’s collection. Our archive is home to some incredible bound examples of original pressings collected in Mounts Bay. The cultural history of seaweeds will be discussed and you will learn how to forage, store and use this abundant resource. With inspiration from the archives you will start the pressing process. After laying out designs they will be loaded into the seaweed press where they will dry over the next weeks. The Seaweed Institute will then send your pieces to in the post when they are ready.
Tickets are available to book (via the link: here) but if you’d prefer to pay in cash you can do so at the library on the day.

Secrets of the Morrab: A creative writing for children
2023-08-31 10:00 - 13:00
The brilliant Bridget Crowley is back at the library this August and will be running another “Secrets of the Morrab Library” creative writing workshop for 8-14 year olds on Thursday 31st August from 10am-1pm.
Morrab Library is full of treasures – the seeds for a fascinating story! In this workshop, children’s author Bridget Crowley will lead you around the library and use the little details found along the way as the starting point for a morning of creative writing.
Who is the painting of the man on the landing? Where might the boat be sailing to, across the stormy seas? What stories might Humphry Davy’s chair be able tell us if it could talk? Does the mouse know why the clock in the Children’s Room stopped ticking?
Entry is £5 by donation to help raise funds for Morrab Library. Booking is essential – email enquiries@morrablibrary.org.uk or call 01736 364474 to book a place. Children must be accompanied by an adult. There will be cake for children (and their grown ups too!)

Super ‘Summer’ Storytime
2023-08-29 10:30 - 11:30
Come and take an open top bus tour of West Cornwall through the eyes of a little dog called Buddy. While reading this delightful story we will stop off to play on the beach, eat some ice-cream, write a postcard and capture the joy of a summer in Cornwall, without even leaving Morrab Library. This session will include a story, activity and something to eat.

All aboard!
This workshop session will be led by Jak Stringer, former librarian of Heamoor CP School, who believes in the creative superpower of a good story and activity.
Super Storytime is a journey for 4 to 8-year-olds but there will be refreshments for the grown-ups they bring along!
Booking is essential so please let us know if you would like to come along so we can make sure we have enough cake! All children will need to be accompanied by an adult. We ask for a suggested donation of £5.
Contact us at enquiries@morrablibrary.org.uk or telephone:01736 364474 to book a place. You’ll find our beautiful library in the heart of Morrab Gardens.

Seed diary and seed planting event with Vicki Aimers
2023-08-26 10:00 - 15:00
This workshop is part of Vicki Aimers’ Residency at Morrab Library which you can read about here.
Catherine had the inspiring idea to grow fruit trees to feed communities.
At this free community event, we will make simple seed diaries from some up-cycled materials, learn about the life cycle of a sunflower (a symbol of the project) and print the cycle in our books. Finally, we will plant a sunflower to take home.
No need to bring anything. The workshop will be taking place outside Morrab Library (under a gazebo). Just pop in!

Virginia Woolf: Memories of St Ives & its influence on her writing
2023-08-23 14:00 - 15:00
On Wednesday 23rd August at 2pm, Sarah Latham Phillips MA will be talking about ‘Virginia Woolf: Memories of St Ives and its influence on her writing’.
Virginia Woolf’s novels and short stories are highly innovative and creative in their design. Her imagery is intensely visual and the summer months spent in St Ives during her childhood were hugely influential on her writing.
Sarah Latham Phillips is well-known in the West Country as a freelance lecturer and ex-WEA Tutor. Sarah has been studying Bloomsbury art and literature for thirty years and is published on Virginia Woolf as a Cubist Writer. She has spoken at the St Ives September Festival every year from 2016. Sarah is a member of the Executive Council of the Virginia Woolf Society of Great Britain and was a speaker for the National Portrait Gallery Exhibition: Art, Life and Vision in 2014, curated by Frances Spalding.
Tickets are allocated by a ballot system. Please email enquiries@morrablibrary.org.uk or call 01736 364474 to be entered into the ballot for a ticket. The ballot closes on Monday 14th August. Entry is £5 by donation to help raise funds for Morrab Library. Refreshments will be provided after the talk.

Nature inspired Fabric Pocket Tableaux Workshop with Book Artist Vicki Aimers
2023-08-22 10:00 - 15:00
A workshop as part of Vicki Aimers’ Artist Residency (find out more here)

Catherine Payton Phillips had several ideas about how to beautify wastelands which will be explored in this workshop.
At this workshop, attendees will create a unique textile tableau from preloved fabrics, inspired by our shared memories of nature such as, walks in the countryside or days spent by the sea.
Workshop attendees will patch and stitch stories onto cloth and experiment with image transfer and a creative writing exercise.
Workshop attendees are encouraged to bring the below items along with them to the class. Vicki will have starter kits to give out, as well as extras of all of the below, if you forget anything.

Some preloved fabrics in colours of their choice
Some embroidery threads in colours of their choice
A sewing kit
A selection of buttons and trims (e.g. Lace, ric rac, etc)
A man’s cotton shirt with a breast pocket in a colour of their choice
A selection of small colour and/or black and white photocopies (not computer inkjet printer copies, but Xerox style copies).

£15 with a starter kit included.
If you would like to book a place at this workshops pop into Morrab Library, phone us on 01736 364474 or email enquiries@morrablibrary.org.uk.

'Creative journaling and mindfulness’ sessions for children
2023-08-19 13:15 - 15:30
Emma Farley is a local feminist bookworm and stationery addict, encouraging children to explore the joys of creativity and journaling to feel inspired, empowered, and improve their mental wellbeing.
Emma will be running two ‘Creative journaling and mindfulness’ sessions for children on Saturday 19th August: 1:15-2:15pm & 2:30-3:30pm.
The first session is aimed at pre-school and KS1 children, and the second session is aimed at older children (KS2 and above).
Tickets are £8 per child and include a starter pack with a notebook, pencil, and stickers.
These workshops will include an overview of colour theory (using primary colours to make secondary colours) and playing with watercolour.
Tickets include watercolour supplies for children to take home and play with, thanks to sponsors STAEDTLER.
Email Emma directly to ask any questions and to book your ticket: e.farley27@gmail.com

Zennor: Spirit of Place | Film Screening
2023-08-09 13:30 - 15:00
On Wednesday 9th August we will be screening ‘Zennor: Spirit of Place‘ a documentary by the award-winning film maker Diana Taylor and multimedia artist and author, Bob Osborne. The film will be shown in the Reading Room at Morrab Library at 1.30pm.
The film delves into the personal and political dramas following the arrival of D.H.Lawrence and his German wife Frieda von Richthofen to the village of Zennor during the First World War. It explores the wild and mystical landscape that played host to scores of infamous artists, poets, eccentrics and occultists who lived, loved and wreaked havoc in Zennor during the 20th century.
The film is 60 minutes long and will be followed by a chance to ask Diana and Bob your questions about the film. Copies of Bob Osborne’s accompanying book ‘Zennor: Spirit of Place’ will be available to buy after the talk.
Tickets are allocated by a ballot system. Please email enquiries@morrablibrary.org.uk or call 01736 364474 to be entered into the ballot for a ticket. The ballot closes on Monday 31st July. Entry is £5 by donation to help raise funds for Morrab Library. Refreshments will be provided after the film.

Super Story Time: "Jim and the Beanstalk" with Jan Pearson - FULLY BOOKED
2023-08-02 11:00 - 12:00
THIS EVENT IS FULLY BOOKED
It’s nearly time for the school summer holidays and we a have ‘Super Storytime’ planned for 4-8-year-olds on Wednesday 2nd August at 11am in the Reading Room.
We all know about Jack and the beanstalk and his adventures but here is your chance to learn about Jim’s adventures and how he helped, yes you read that right, helped the giant! Jan Pearson will be reading Raymond Brigg’s book and you’ll also get the chance to take part in some craft activities and games.
Super Storytime is a journey for 4 to 8-year-olds but there will be refreshments for the grown-ups they bring along! Booking is essential so please let us know if you would like to come along so we can make sure we have enough cake!
All children will need to be accompanied by an adult. Suggested donation of £5.
Contact us at enquiries@morrablibrary.org.uk or telephone: 01736 364474 to book a place. You’ll find our beautiful library in the heart of Morrab Gardens.

Creative journaling and mindfulness for children
2023-07-29 13:15 - 15:30
Emma Farley is a local feminist bookworm and stationery addict, encouraging children to explore the joys of creativity and journaling to feel inspired, empowered, and improve their mental wellbeing.
Emma will be running two ‘Creative journaling and mindfulness’ sessions for children on Saturday 19th August: 1:15-2:15pm & 2:30-3:30pm.
Tickets are £8 per child and include a starter pack with a notebook, pencil, and stickers.
These workshops will include journaling prompts to encourage positivity and build self-esteem, plus rock painting.
Email Emma directly to ask any questions and to book your ticket: e.farley27@gmail.com

Byzantine Silk on the Silk Roads | A talk by Sarah E. Braddock Clarke
2023-07-26 14:00 - 15:00
Join co-editor and contributing author Sarah E. Braddock Clarke for a talk about the new book by Bloomsbury Visual Arts, London, ‘Byzantine Silk on the Silk Roads: Journeys between East and West, Past and Present’
Sarah reveals glorious Byzantine woven silks from the infamous Silk Roads. The content will be explored with examples of historical textiles from world-class museums and archives. The influence of the rich Byzantine era is still felt today where contemporary textiles and fashion deliver evocative imagery, rich textures, and patterns in jewel-like colours – a feast for the eyes and the mind.
Sarah is Senior Lecturer in Fashion Design at Falmouth University. Her area of research lies in materials and technologies, fashion, textiles, and cultural identities with a particular interest in East – West exchanges.
Tickets are allocated by a ballot system. Please email enquiries@morrablibrary.org.uk or call 01736 364474 to be entered into the ballot for a ticket. The ballot closes on Monday 4th July.
Refreshments will be provided after the talk. Entry is £5 by donation to help raise funds for Morrab Library.
Published by BLOOMSBURY VISUAL ARTS. Cover image: Dolce & Gabbana Autumn-Winter 2013-2014, Milan, Italy. (© GIUSEPPE CACACE/AFP/Getty Images)

Creative workshop (often with a lettering focus)
2023-07-21 14:30 - 15:30
In this session we’ll play with Pentel colour brush pens. Ticket price (£10) includes refreshments and two brush pens (colours will vary)
Emma Farley is a local feminist bookworm and stationery addict, encouraging women to explore the joys of reading and journaling to feel inspired, empowered and improve their mental wellbeing. Through her workshops, Emma provides an introduction to journaling and modern calligraphy in the context of mindfulness, building self-esteem, goal setting and more, all while having fun with pen and paper.

Booking is essential. Email Emma directly to ask any questions and to book your ticket: e.farley27@gmail.com
Find out more on Emma’s website: https://acornishgeek.com/2017/03/19/welcome-to-a-cornish-geek/

Intro to modern calligraphy
2023-07-14 14:15 - 15:45, 2023-06-07 14:15 - 15:45
Get to grips with brush lettering – learn the basic strokes, get tips and tricks, and try products before you buy. Emma will also be hosting monthly lettering workshops for those who have already attended an intro session. These will feature a range of seasonal projects.
Emma Farley is a local feminist bookworm and stationery addict, encouraging women to explore the joys of reading and journaling to feel inspired, empowered and improve their mental wellbeing. Through her workshops, Emma provides an introduction to journaling and modern calligraphy in the context of mindfulness, building self-esteem, goal setting and more, all while having fun with pen and paper.
£8 – includes brush pen
Booking is essential. Email Emma directly to ask any questions and to book your ticket: e.farley27@gmail.com
Find out more on Emma’s website: https://acornishgeek.com/2017/03/19/welcome-to-a-cornish-geek/

Intro to creative journaling
2023-07-14 13:10 - 14:10
In this introduction to creative journaling class, discover how using pen and paper can help improve your wellbeing!
Emma Farley is a local feminist bookworm and stationery addict, encouraging women to explore the joys of reading and journaling to feel inspired, empowered and improve their mental wellbeing. Through her workshops, Emma provides an introduction to journaling and modern calligraphy in the context of mindfulness, building self-esteem, goal setting and more, all while having fun with pen and paper.
£8 – includes notebook and pen
Booking is essential. Email Emma directly to ask any questions and to book your ticket: e.farley27@gmail.com
Find out more on Emma’s website: https://acornishgeek.com/2017/03/19/welcome-to-a-cornish-geek/

Pre-Raphaelite Mythbuster: gossip, scandals and secrets | With Dr Serena Trowbridge
2023-07-12 14:00 - 15:00
Dr Serena Trowbridge is returning to the library on Wednesday 12th July at 2pm to give a tantalisingly titled talk: Pre-Raphaelite Mythbuster: Gossip, Scandal & Secrets.
Did Elizabeth Siddall’s hair really grow in her coffin?
Why did Effie Gray really divorce Ruskin?
Did Rossetti really seduce all his models?
Did Holman Hunt see gnomes?
Dr Serena Trowbridge, Reader in Victorian Literature at Birmingham City University & Chair of the Pre-Raphaelite Society, will look at the evidence & explore a number of myths surrounding the Victorian artists associated with the Pre-Raphaelites. She will use serious research to answer daft questions.
Tickets are allocated by a ballot system. Email enquiries@morrablibrary.org.uk or call 01736 364474 to add your name into the ballot by Monday 3rd July. We will then draw out names & let you know if you have been successful.

A Philosopher's Guide to Happiness, with Darren Harper
2023-07-06 13:00 - 15:00
What is happiness? Is it nothing more than feeling good, which underpins the philosophy of utilitarianism? Is it merely the temporary cessation of suffering? Or is it to fully flourish; to live the best life we can live? In this workshop, Darren will explore these questions in the esteemed company of J. S. Mill, Arthur Schopenhauer and the Buddha, as well as Aristotle.
1.00pm-3.00pm, cost £12 payable directly to Darren.
Contact Darren to book at: darrenharper.esq@gmail.com or visit his website for more information: darrenharper.net

A Brief Introduction to Indian Philosophy, with Darren Harper
2023-07-06 10:00 - 12:00
Much of the world’s philosophy has historically been ignored by the West. Yet, if philosophy is the love of wisdom, there is no doubt that the philosophy of other cultures can enrich us further still. This half-day course will explore two key texts of Ancient Indian philosophy, the Upanishads and the Bhagavad Gita, and then consider their value to modern Western society.
10.00pm-12.00pm, cost £12 payable directly to Darren.
Contact Darren to book at: darrenharper.esq@gmail.com or visit his website for more information: darrenharper.net

Introducing... The Shell House Detectives | With Author Emylia Hall
2023-07-01 14:00 - 15:00
Join acclaimed author Emylia Hall on publication day for The Shell House Detectives, the first novel in her new crime series.
Drawing advance praise from the likes of Elly Griffiths, Sarah Winman and Emma Stonex, Emylia’s novel is inspired by the wild Cornish landscape. Learn how setting fuels her writing, what ‘cosy crime’ really means, and what lies in store next for her amateur sleuths, Ally and Jayden.
‘Welcome to the coastal paradise of Porthpella, where murder lurks among the dunes …’
Tickets are allocated by a ballot system. Please email enquiries@morrablibrary.org.uk or call 01736 364474 to be entered into the ballot for a ticket. The ballot closes on 22nd June. Entry is £5 by donation to help raise funds for Morrab Library.
Refreshments will be provided after the talk. Copies of Emylia’s book will be available for sale.

Lettering workshops
2023-06-30 14:30 - 15:30
One for people who have already had an introduction to brush lettering. Monthly workshops will focus on skill development and seasonal projects.
Emma Farley is a local feminist bookworm and stationery addict, encouraging women to explore the joys of reading and journaling to feel inspired, empowered and improve their mental wellbeing. Through her workshops, Emma provides an introduction to journaling and modern calligraphy in the context of mindfulness, building self-esteem, goal setting and more, all while having fun with pen and paper.

£10

Booking is essential. Email Emma directly to ask any questions and to book your ticket: e.farley27@gmail.com
Find out more on Emma’s website: https://acornishgeek.com/2017/03/19/welcome-to-a-cornish-geek/

Creative journaling
2023-06-30 13:15 - 14:15
De-clutter your mind and get organised with this monthly session. Bring your own notebook and pen and discover how using pen and paper can help improve your wellbeing. Reflect on the last month and set goals and build healthy habits for the coming weeks with a brew and biscuit.
Emma Farley is a local feminist bookworm and stationery addict, encouraging women to explore the joys of reading and journaling to feel inspired, empowered and improve their mental wellbeing. Through her workshops, Emma provides an introduction to journaling and modern calligraphy in the context of mindfulness, building self-esteem, goal setting and more, all while having fun with pen and paper.

£5

Booking is essential. Email Emma directly to ask any questions and to book your ticket: e.farley27@gmail.com
Find out more on Emma’s website: https://acornishgeek.com/2017/03/19/welcome-to-a-cornish-geek/

The Second Sea: An illustrated talk from Des Hannigan
2023-06-28 14:00 - 15:00
Des Hannigan talks about the SECOND SEA, his name for the impressions that professional seagoers retain in their deep memory.
The talk is built round excerpts about the sea from the works of famous writers and poets and also from Atlantic Cornwall, Des Hannigan’s own popular trilogy of prose and poetry about Cornish deep water fishing and the county’s extreme sea cliff landscapes.
Des is a journalist and travel writer who has written over fifty books for Lonely Planet and AA Publishing.
Tickets are allocated by a ballot system. Please email enquiries@morrablibrary.org.uk or call 01736 364474 to be entered into the ballot for a ticket. The ballot closes on Monday 19th June. Entry is £5 by donation to help raise funds for Morrab Library
Refreshments will be provided after the talk.

Morrab Library Summer Fete
2023-06-17 10:00 - 14:00
Roll up, roll up! The Summer Fair is coming soon.
Saturday 17th June from 10.00am – 2.00pm
Save the date and join us at the library for this year’s Summer Fair, to be held on Saturday 17th June from 10.00am. There’ll be a whole new variety of craft stalls featuring local makers to survey, as well as our second book and photo archive stalls, and of course, our wonderful refreshments room featuring a myriad of delicious home-made treats. There’ll also be some great raffle prizes on offer too, including an original painting by renowned local artist Sue Lewington.
We have joined forces this year with our brilliant neighbours, the Friends of Morrab Gardens, who will be hosting a plant sale on the same morning, so you can enjoy double the shopping fun, and help support two Penzance treasures.
A few stalls (and plant sales) will be cash only, so please bring some along with you to help support your library and the gardens.
Members and non-members alike are all welcome, so please bring friends and family along too!
We look forward to seeing you there.

Creating a Sustainable Penzance
2023-06-14 14:00 - 15:00
The next in our series of talks comes from the writer and activist Rachel Yates who will be speaking at the library on Wednesday 14th June at 2pm about creating a sustainable Penzance.
Rachel runs Plastic Free PZ and set up Sustainable PZ to build on its foundations to build a “community for the future; one that’s resilient, that works for everyone and that protects and replenishes the beautiful environment that supports us.”
She believes that Penzance is in a brilliant position to do things differently and in this talk at Morrab Library she will speak about the journey so far and how the future could look.
Tickets are allocated by a ballot system. Please email enquiries@morrablibrary.org.uk or call 01736 364474 to be entered into the ballot for a ticket. The ballot for this talk closes on Monday 5th June.
Entry is £5 by donation to help raise funds for Morrab Library. Refreshments will be provided after the talk.

Penzance (County) Girls' Grammar School, 1913-1980 | Open day/ Drop in
2023-06-10 10:00 - 13:00
Calling all teachers and pupils of Penzance County Girls Grammar School and anyone interested in the school!
Drop into Morrab Library on Saturday 10th June, between 10am and 1pm, to …

Explore the archives,
Admire the Library
Meet the Committee
Renew old friendships
Share stories
Bring personal archives of your time

Refreshments will be provided but please bring your own lunch if you’d like to and your own mug, if possible.
For more information about the event contact Gillian Thomas (Gill@gillianthomas.co.uk) or call 07973166820 or look at PGGS Facebook page/messenger.
