The Morrab Library

SOLD OUT Study Morning | The Bayeux Tapestry and the Making of Medieval England
2024-09-14 10:15 - 13:15 (Europe/London) | Morrab Library
PLEASE NOTE THAT THIS IS NOW SOLD OUT. PLEASE EMAIL US IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO BE ADDED TO THE WAITING LIST (ENQUIRIES@MORRABLIBRARY.ORG.UK)

Join Mark Cottle for a Study Morning in the Reading Room at the Library from 10.15am –1.15pm.

The Bayeux Tapestry captures one of the great turning points in English history. William’s victory at Hastings, his reign and those of his two sons, William Rufus and Henry I were transformational.

In just 69 years the foundations of medieval England were laid: feudalism, knights, castles, the Exchequer, great cathedrals…..

With the help of course files we’ll take a closer look at a remarkable period somewhat overshadowed today by the Plantagenets and Tudors.

This study morning will run 10.15am to 1.15pm and includes a short break.
Price: £15. Please email (enquiries@morrablibrary.org.uk) or call the Library (01736 364474) if you would like to book a place.
Payment must be made in advance of the workshop, in cash only. Pop into the Library before 14th September to pay for your ticket.

My Family and Other Animals – Artist Residency with Nadia Peters & Philip Riley
2024-09-17 10:00 - 16:00, 2024-09-18 10:00 - 16:00, 2024-09-21 10:00 - 16:00, 2024-09-24 10:00 - 16:00, 2024-09-25 10:00 - 16:00 | Morrab Library
September will see us welcome artists Philip Riley and Nadia Peters to the library, where they will explore the library’s relationship with nature, taking inspiration from our historic book collection.
Philip and Nadia work collaboratively with mixed media, inspired by their surroundings and incorporating found objects. From the 16th-25th September they will aim to use our historic book collection as a visual and literary starting point for the creation of sculptural work. They will focus particularly on the animal images from the work of Swiss naturalist, Conrad Gesner and his important 16th century encyclopedia Historia Animalium, (you can read a library blog about Gesner here). Found organic and vintage material collected locally will be incorporated into their sculptural response to the library building, historic artefacts and the location itself.

As well as the opportunity to meet the artists each day of the residency as they work on their creations, Philip and Nadia will present a talk about how the library and its collections has influenced and inspired their work on the 25th September.
The artists will also host workshops at the local St Levan Primary School, where students will have the opportunity to work with Philip and Nadia to create images based on the fantastic creatures depicted in Historia Animalium, which will subsequently be displayed at the library on the day of the talk.
Nadia Peters is a mixed media installation artist based in Manchester. Her work is inspired by her surroundings and incorporates found objects. Phil Riley is a Cyprus based artist. Working in plaster using natural forms found on location, his practice now includes casting in sand. Phil’s subject matter is influenced by both his international and Uk artist residencies.
We look forward to welcoming them and introducing you to their work.

Library Talks | The Seaweed Institute Book Launch
2024-09-18 14:00 - 15:00 | Morrab Library
Our next Library Talk will be an introduction to The Seaweed Institute’s first book Gomonna, in collaboration with the independent publisher Ancient Magic. This talk will take place in the Reading Room on Wednesday 18th September at 2pm.
Gomonna celebrates seaweed and Cornwall. It spans stories, research, foraging insights and recipes. Illustrated with historical photographs and seaweed pressings.
Kerry Holbrook and Ruth Klückers run The Seaweed Institute and have hosted several workshops in The Morrab Library, exploring this Victorian practice and capturing the underwater beauty of seaweeds.
Tickets for the talk are allocated by a ballot system. Please email enquiries@morrablibrary.org.uk or call 01736 364474 to be entered into the ballot for up to two tickets (please specify). The ballot closes on Monday 9th September.
Entry to this event is free but donations are welcomed to help support The Morrab Library (suggested £5). Refreshments will be provided after the talk.
The Seaweed Institute will also be at The Morrab Library on Saturday 14th September when they will be running a Seaweed Pressing workshop (more info here). This will involve a walk to the foreshore of Mounts Bay to search for seaweeds and learn about sustainable harvesting, tides and edible species. Back at the library, you will have the chance to view the beautiful examples of historic seaweed pressings from our archive. You will start the pressing process and pieces will be posted to you when they are ready. Tickets for this workshop at £40 and available to book via Eventbrite only. The library is not taking bookings for this workshop.

My Family and Other Animals – Artist Residency with Nadia Peters & Philip Riley
2024-09-19 10:00 - 16:00, 2024-09-20 10:00 - 16:00 | Morrab Library
September will see us welcome artists Philip Riley and Nadia Peters to the library, where they will explore the library’s relationship with nature, taking inspiration from our historic book collection.
Philip and Nadia work collaboratively with mixed media, inspired by their surroundings and incorporating found objects. From the 16th-25th September they will aim to use our historic book collection as a visual and literary starting point for the creation of sculptural work. They will focus particularly on the animal images from the work of Swiss naturalist, Conrad Gesner and his important 16th century encyclopedia Historia Animalium, (you can read a library blog about Gesner here). Found organic and vintage material collected locally will be incorporated into their sculptural response to the library building, historic artefacts and the location itself.
As well as the opportunity to meet the artists each day of the residency as they work on their creations, Philip and Nadia will present a talk about how the library and its collections has influenced and inspired their work on the 25th September.
The artists will also host workshops at the local St Levan Primary School, where students will have the opportunity to work with Philip and Nadia to create images based on the fantastic creatures depicted in Historia Animalium, which will subsequently be displayed at the library on the day of the talk.
Nadia Peters is a mixed media installation artist based in Manchester. Her work is inspired by her surroundings and incorporates found objects. Phil Riley is a Cyprus based artist. Working in plaster using natural forms found on location, his practice now includes casting in sand. Phil’s subject matter is influenced by both his international and Uk artist residencies.
We look forward to welcoming them and introducing you to their work

The Joy of Drawing with local artist Claire Lucas
2024-09-19 10:15 - 12:45 | Morrab Library
Local artist Claire Lucas is returning to Morrab Library in September to run an 8 session term of art classes
The Joy of Drawing will run fortnightly, starting Sept 5th, 10.15am-12.45pm, £200 for the term.
Using slideshows, demonstrations and a wide range of drawing activities, Claire will help you to develop your drawing skills, find subject matter that inspires you and media that suits your style and temperament.
You will learn how to use line, tone, and composition to create drawings that you are proud of and thoroughly enjoy creating.
All levels of experience are welcome, including absolute beginners.
Maximum class size of 8. Booking is essential. Call Claire on 07532174802, or contact via her website, www.clairelucasart.com
“ Claire is a gifted teacher whose broad knowledge of art media and techniques is taught with kindness & encouragement. Her classes are relaxed but dynamic and she helps you find what works for you with such positivity and enthusiasm! “ CB ‘24
“My confidence and ability (and mental health) have improved significantly due to Claire’s gentle, positive approach” CW ‘24

Free tour of The Morrab Library
2024-09-20 14:00 - 15:30, 2024-09-27 14:00 - 15:30, 2024-10-04 14:00 - 15:30 | Morrab Library
All are welcome to join a free to guided tour of The Morrab Library every Friday at 2pm. This is an opportunity to learn more about our beautiful independent Library and the collections within.
The tour begins at 2pm, it is drop-in and there is no need to book. If you plan to bring a large group (6+ people) please email enquiries@morrablibrary.org.uk and we will do our best to accommodate you.
For accessibility information, please click here.
We also welcome visitors to the Library at any time during our opening hours (10am – 4pm, Tuesday to Saturday) when you are welcome to pick up a map of the Library at the front desk and explore the library.

Library Talks | Philip Riley & Nadia Peters Artist in Residence
2024-09-25 14:00 - 15:00 | Morrab Library
Join our artists-in-residence, Philip Riley and Nadia Peters, as they present a talk outlining their work and inspirations during their time at The Morrab Library. Learn how they used our historic book collection as a visual and literary starting point for the creation of sculptural work, particularly the work of Conrad Gesner’s 16th century work ‘Historia Animalium’.
They’ll also discuss their workshops with local primary school St Levan’s, inspiring them to create art based on the fantastic creatures depicted by Gesner.
Nadia Peters is a mixed media installation artist based in Manchester. Her work is inspired by her surroundings and incorporates found objects.
Phil Riley is a Cyprus based artist. Working in plaster using natural forms found on location, his practice now includes casting in sand. Phil’s subject matter is influenced by both his international and Uk artist residencies.
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 16th September. Entry to this event is free but donations are welcomed to help support The Morrab Library (suggested £5). Refreshments will be provided after the talk.

Creative Journaling
2024-09-27 13:30 - 15:30 | Morrab Library
1:30-3:30pm. £10/person. Bring your own notebook. Refreshments provided. Optional £5 starter pack for newbies featuring a notebook, pen, and roll of washi tape

This monthly workshop is an opportunity for people to get together and journal in a safe space with plenty of goodies to play with. There is a loose structure, with templates, tips, and tricks, ensuring attendees get what they need from the session rather than following a strict plan.

Booking is essential for all workshops. Email e.farley27@gmail.com.

Emma is a life-long stationery addict, encouraging others to explore the joys of creative journaling and modern calligraphy, whilst improving their wellbeing. She has a PGCE, plus Level 2 qualifications in Understanding Autism and Understanding Children and Young People’s Mental Health. She’s also a Mental Health First Aider and Health and Wellbeing Coach.

Find out more: www.instagram.com/acornishgeekletters

The Joy of Drawing with local artist Claire Lucas
2024-10-03 10:15 - 12:45, 2024-10-17 10:15 - 12:45, 2024-10-31 10:15 - 12:45 | Morrab Library
Local artist Claire Lucas is returning to Morrab Library in September to run an 8 session term of art classes.
The Joy of Drawing will run fortnightly, starting Sept 5th, 10.15am-12.45pm, £175 for the term.
Using slideshows, demonstrations and a wide range of drawing activities, Claire will help you to develop your drawing skills, find subject matter that inspires you and media that suits your style and temperament.
You will learn how to use line, tone, and composition to create drawings that you are proud of and thoroughly enjoy creating.
All levels of experience are welcome, including absolute beginners.
Maximum class size of 8. Booking is essential. Call Claire on 07532174802, or contact via her website, www.clairelucasart.com
“ Claire is a gifted teacher whose broad knowledge of art media and techniques is taught with kindness & encouragement. Her classes are relaxed but dynamic and she helps you find what works for you with such positivity and enthusiasm! “ CB ‘24
“My confidence and ability (and mental health) have improved significantly due to Claire’s gentle, positive approach” CW ‘24

Fun Palaces at The Morrab Library
2024-10-05 10:00 - 15:00 | Morrab Library
On Saturday 5th October, The Morrab Library will, for the first time, join hundreds of Fun Palaces nationally and internationally to be filled with free and fun activities for all ages.
Pop down to The Morrab Library between 10am-3pm for a day of stories, writing, workshops and much more. Emma Farley will be running creative wellbeing workshops for all ages, including creative journaling, scratch art, watercolour, and more. There will be a notebook and pen for all attendees as long as stocks last.
And that’s not all! Our very own James Parnham-Kenny, who runs Multivax on the days when he’s not one of our Library Assistants, will be telling stories in the reading room, along with story making activities and a mini trail.
Fun Palaces is an ongoing national and international campaign, nurturing and supporting the potential and positivity of sharing people’s enthusiasms, passions and skills with their own local community. Fun Palaces has an annual weekend of events each October, although Fun Palaces can also happen at any time of year. Find out all the info about other Fun Palaces in Cornwall and across the country here.
All of the Fun Palace activities are FREE, for all and drop-in between 10am and 3pm

Fun Palace | Emma Farley
2024-10-05 10:00 - 15:30 | Morrab Library
Emma Farley will be running creative wellbeing workshops for all ages, including creative journaling, scratch art, watercolour, and more. There will be a notebook and pen for all attendees as long as stocks last.
Find out more about the Fun Palace events here: https://morrablibrary.org.uk/event/fun-palaces-at-the-morrab-library/
Booking is essential for all workshops. Email e.farley27@gmail.com.
Emma is a life-long stationery addict, encouraging others to explore the joys of creative journaling and modern calligraphy, whilst improving their wellbeing. She has a PGCE, plus Level 2 qualifications in Understanding Autism and Understanding Children and Young People’s Mental Health. She’s also a Mental Health First Aider and Health and Wellbeing Coach.
Find out more: www.instagram.com/acornishgeekletters

Rare Books Open Day at The Morrab Library | Thursday 10th October
2024-10-10 10:00 - 15:00 | Morrab Library
The Morrab Library holds a vast array of rare, historic and important books in its collections. The most special of all are stored securely, available to view by appointment, but rarely seen.
On Thursday 10th October, the library will host an Open Day, where some of the finest examples of published works from our collections will be on display. Included will be works by Aristotle, Plutarch, Kipling and Elizabeth Stanhope Forbes, as well as important and rare Cornish volumes by William Borlase, Arthur Quiller-Couch and Humphry Davy.
These collections have been donated and collected over the last 200 years and this is an opportunity to get to know about some of the important and special items we care for.
A number of our titles are in need of conservation, so if you are inspired to make a donation towards the care of these incredible collections, we would be very grateful.

Autumn printing workshop with Emma Farley
2024-10-11 13:30 - 15:30 | Morrab Library
We’ll be welcoming the new season with a printing session. Various paints and seasonal items will be provided but you’ll need to bring your own gelli plate and anything specific you’d like to print.
Booking is essential for all workshops. Email e.farley27@gmail.com.
Emma is a life-long stationery addict, encouraging others to explore the joys of creative journaling and modern calligraphy, whilst improving their wellbeing. She has a PGCE, plus Level 2 qualifications in Understanding Autism and Understanding Children and Young People’s Mental Health. She’s also a Mental Health First Aider and Health and Wellbeing Coach.
Find out more: www.instagram.com/acornishgeekletters

Free tour of The Morrab Library
2024-10-11 14:00 - 15:30, 2024-10-18 14:00 - 15:30, 2024-10-25 14:00 - 15:30 | Morrab Library
All are welcome to join a free guided tour of The Morrab Library every Friday at 2pm. This is an opportunity to learn more about our beautiful independent Library and the collections within.
The tour begins at 2pm, it is drop-in and there is no need to book. If you plan to bring a large group (6+ people) please email enquiries@morrablibrary.org.uk and we will do our best to accommodate you.
For accessibility information, please click here.
We also welcome visitors to the Library at any time during our opening hours (10am – 4pm, Tuesday to Saturday) when you are welcome to pick up a map of the Library at the front desk and explore the library.

EMBROIDER A BEE | Learn about and help our wild bees
2024-10-17 00:00
Vicks Harrison started the Embroidered Bees Project in 2019 to raise awareness of the loss of biodiversity. The project will create a huge art quilt to help people develop their embroidery skills and learn more about the nearly 300 kinds of bees we have in this country and. It is a long term project and it is hoped that the final artwork will be exhibited to raise donations for wildlife projects. This workshop will be an opportunity to produce embroidered bees to be added to the project. Complete beginners are very welcome. More detail about the project is contained in two videos 1) is a lovely introduction https://vimeo.com/724988781/f27d4ca421 2) is a how to video https://vimeo.com/766141264/365f9de6db Please bring a small hoop and a needle, and any embroidery threads and/or cream or white fabric that you have. Old linen napkins and tablecloths are great. This is an unfunded project but Vicks does have a few materials. If you have any embroidery thread, a needle and scissors that would be very helpful – otherwise just book and turn up Please pay what you can – we suggest £3 to £5. Places are limited and booking is essential so please email Vickyvicks@btinternet.com or text 07834287562 to book a place.

Library Talks | A Ramble Around Wilkie Collins with Jak Stringer
2024-10-23 14:00 - 15:00 | Morrab Library
After discovering that Wilkie Collins had toured Cornwall in 1850 and written a travel journal, Jak Stringer felt inspired to follow in his footsteps.
She wanted answers to questions; why did the people of Looe eat rats, the women of Saltash clean boots and the folk on Scilly never open windows?
It wasn’t long before Jak’s family started questioning whether ‘the Wilkie thing’ had become an obsession and maybe an intervention was needed!
This 60-minute, light-hearted, multi-media performance delves into Collins’ formative years and his rambles around Cornwall – What larks!
“Jak Stringer is a one-woman Wilkie wonder” – The Wilkie Collins Society
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 October. Entry to this event is free but donations are welcomed to help support The Morrab Library (suggested £5). Refreshments will be provided after the talk.

Creative Journaling with Emma Farley
2024-10-25 13:30 - 15:30 | Morrab Library
This monthly workshop is an opportunity for people to get together and journal in a safe space with plenty of goodies to play with. There is a loose structure, with templates, tips, and tricks, ensuring attendees get what they need from the session rather than following a strict plan.
Bring your own notebook. Refreshments provided. £10 – Optional £5 starter pack for newbies featuring a notebook, pen, and roll of washi tape.
Booking is essential for all workshops. Email e.farley27@gmail.com.
Emma is a life-long stationery addict, encouraging others to explore the joys of creative journaling and modern calligraphy, whilst improving their wellbeing. She has a PGCE, plus Level 2 qualifications in Understanding Autism and Understanding Children and Young People’s Mental Health. She’s also a Mental Health First Aider and Health and Wellbeing Coach.
Find out more: www.instagram.com/acornishgeekletters

Embroider a bee and learn about and help our wild bee
2024-10-29 10:00 - 12:00

2024-10-29 10:00 - 12:30 | Morrab Library
The Morrab Library doesn’t have a ghost, but what if it did?
In this creative writing workshop, we will use the wonderful old house, The Morrab Library, and some of the treasures within, as the starting point for writing our very own ghost stories.
Bridget Crowley is the author of five children’s books, three of which feature ghosts. In this workshop for 12-16 year olds, Bridget will share some tips for writing a story that thrills and chills, builds suspense and draws from real places and history to create the setting and character for a compelling plot.
Bridget’s latest book ‘Wake Up Mr Kean’ is set in The Old Theatre in Penzance and her ghost is famous actor Edmund Kean who really performed there in the early 19th Century. Bridget will be reading from her book at The Old Theatre in The Union (Chapel Street, Penzance), on Friday 1st November (6.30pm) and attendees of this workshop will be invited to read their stories alongside her at that event.
The workshop will take place in the Reading Room. Booking is essential. All materials and refreshments will be provided. Entry is free but donations are welcome to support The Morrab Library (suggested £5).
Booking is essential – email enquiries@morrablibrary.org.uk or call 01736 364474 to book a place.
