Luminaries: Victorian Photographers in West Cornwall- Penlee House

Some of the finest British photographers of the 19th century are associated with Cornwall and many had studios locally. The completion of the railway linking London with Penzance in 1860 and the rise of tourism to the region led to a demand for photographs of places of interest and the spectacular local scenery. Portrait photography became fashionable among the middle classes and photographic studios opened in Penzance to cater for the need. This exhibition includes images by several photography pioneers, including William Brooks, Gibson & Sons and Robert Preston, showing the people and places in and around Penzance from the 1860s to 1910. It also features the work of the amateur photographer John Branwell of Penlee House, giving a fascinating glimpse into his home and family life.