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The Mermaid of Zennor bench end in Zennor Church, Cornwall. Around 1925
Wall Art and Photo Gifts from Royal Cornwall Museum
The Mermaid of Zennor bench end in Zennor Church, Cornwall. Around 1925
A captain of a ship anchored off Pendower Cove believed that he was hailed by a mermaid and the people of Zennor had a mermaid figure carved on a bench end in Zennor Church as a warning to young men against smiling pon the maidens in church. Glass lantern slide from a lecture, entitled Some Historic Cornish Beauty Spots, given by Cornishman and amateur photographer, Major Arthur William Gill, in around 1925. He was well known in Cornwall and elsewhere during the 1920s and 1930s for his presentations of stills and cine film to many groups including The Royal Institution of Cornwall, Royal Cornwall Polytechnic Society and the London Cornish Society. The quarter plate slides which he took prolifically with his ordinary camera are, in many cases, colour. These were painted by his own hand to great effect
Royal Cornwall Museum is the UK's Greatest Museum For Cornish Life & Culture
TRURI : 1990.2.12.25a
Media ID 11513547
© From the collection of the RIC
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EDITORS COMMENTS
This print showcases the exquisite Mermaid of Zennor bench end, nestled within the historic Zennor Church in Cornwall. Dating back to around 1925, this unique piece of art holds a fascinating tale behind its creation. Legend has it that a ship captain, anchored off Pendower Cove, claimed to have been hailed by a mesmerizing mermaid. In response to this enchanting encounter, the people of Zennor decided to carve a mermaid figure on one of their church's bench ends as a cautionary symbol for young men. It served as a gentle reminder not to let their hearts wander during sacred moments within the church walls. The photograph itself is an exceptional glass lantern slide captured by Major Arthur William Gill – an esteemed Cornishman and amateur photographer renowned for his presentations on Cornish beauty spots. His talent extended beyond capturing stills; he also hand-painted these quarter plate slides with vibrant colors, creating stunning visual effects that left audiences captivated. Major Gill's work was widely appreciated throughout Cornwall and beyond during the 1920s and 1930s. He shared his passion for photography through lectures given at prestigious institutions such as The Royal Institution of Cornwall, Royal Cornwall Polytechnic Society, and even the London Cornish Society. This remarkable print serves as both a historical artifact and testament to Major Gill's artistic prowess. It offers us an intriguing glimpse into Cornwall's rich folklore while showcasing the skillful craftsmanship that went into preserving its stories
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