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 the 2025 Object of the Year Award.
Six historic treasures from museums, galleries and historic properties across Cornwall have been nominated for the award, which is decided by a public vote, in this year’s Cornwall Heritage Awards.
The other items in the running include a masterpiece capturing Cornwall's maritime spirit which inspired Daphne Du Maurier's first novel, an ingenious reel that helped prevent drownings across Devon and Cornwall and a shepherd’s lantern belonging to Cornish poet Reverand R.S. Hawker, author of The Song of the Western Men which became the lyrics for the great Cornish anthem Trelawny.
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.”
Here are more details about the nominations.
Life Saving Equipment by Henry Trengrouse from the Museum of Cornish Life
In 1807, Henry Trengrouse witnessed the wreck of the HMS Anson and the loss of over 100 lives at Loe Bar. He immediately drew on his skills as a cabinet maker and designed ingenious equipment that would prevent future tragic loss of life so close to shore.
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, showcasing Cornwall’s creative ingenuity.
The Jane Slade by Reuben Chappell from National Maritime Museum Cornwall
A masterpiece capturing Cornwall's maritime spirit, the Jane Slade painting celebrates a pioneering businesswoman and her family's shipbuilding legacy. Immortalized by Reuben Chappell, this artwork inspired Daphne Du Maurier's first novel, weaving together art, entrepreneurship, and the creative essence of Cornish maritime life.
Lanhydrock epergne from the National Trust at Lanhydrock
All that glitters is not gold – sometimes it’s tin. Cornish tin. This exquisitely crafted tin epergne or 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.
Prototype Hicks Reel Beach Life Saving Equipment from St Agnes Museum
Prototype Hicks Reel. 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.
Hawker's Shepherd's Lantern from The Castle, Bude
A shepherd’s lantern belonging to Cornish poet Reverand R.S. Hawker. He was a poet, who penned The Song of the Western Men, otherwise known as the great Cornish anthem, Trelawny. He was the Vicar for the parish of Morwenstow, for many years, where he lived at the vicarage.
Find more details of these fascinating objects and cast your vote on Let’s Talk Cornwall.
Press release issued on January 27, 2025