Cornishman Collection

The Cornishman Express
The Cornishman express of the Great Western Railway carries passengers from London to Cornwall (and back again if required)

Joseph Tangye (1826-1902) on a velocipede, probably Wolverhampton, West Midlands. Around 1870
The velocipede in the photograph is very similar to the one in the collection of the Royal Cornwall Museum (TRURI : 1937.34)

James Tangye (1825-1912) in his workshop at Aviary Court, Illogan, Cornwall. Around 1900
Mr James Tangye pictured in his workshop at his home, Aviary Court. He is seated, wearing a hat and holding a cane, amid various pieces of machinery

Cornishman steam engine
The Cornishman steam engine on a railway track

Bicycle (Velocipede or Boneshaker), Cornwall Works, Birmingham, England
In September 1870, this velocipede was ridden by Sir Richard Tangye from Truro to Newquay, bringing the news of the Battle of Sedan to the town

Trageagle Ghost
The ghost of Tregeagle, an evil-doing Cornishman, seeks nightly to escape his prison, Dozmary Pool; but every night he finds the Hounds of Hell awaiting him

Quiller-Couch memorial pillar, Fowey, Cornwall
Granite memorial pillar to Sir Arthur Quiller-Couch (1863-1944), Cornishman, writer and scholar, at Penleath Point, Fowey, Cornwall. Date: circa 1980s

The Cornishman. Paddington in Edwardian days. Date: 1909

Cornish Boatman sets an amateur fisherman straight
Sarcastic Amateur Fisherman: " Are there any fish to be caught here, my man?" Cornish Boatman: " No Zur; You caught em all the last time as you was here!" Date: circa 1890s

Tregeagles Ghost
The ghost of Tregeagle, an evil-doing Cornishman, seeks nightly to escape his prison, Dozmary Pool; but every night he finds the Hounds of Hell awaiting him

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"Cornishman: A Journey Through Time and Inventions" Step back in time to the late 19th century, where Joseph Tangye fearlessly rides a velocipede through the bustling streets of Wolverhampton. This innovative contraption, known as a bicycle or "boneshaker, " was just one of many inventions that would shape the future. Meanwhile, James Tangye hones his craftsmanship in his workshop at Aviary Court, Illogan. With skillful hands and a creative mind, he brings ideas to life and contributes to Cornwall's rich industrial heritage. Speaking of inventions, who can forget the remarkable Cornishman steam engine? Its power and efficiency revolutionized transportation during this era. Not far behind is Gurneys Steam Carriage, another marvel that paved the way for modern automobiles. But it wasn't all about machines; Cornwall had its fair share of legends too. The Trageagle Ghost haunted these lands with its eerie presence while locals shared tales around Quiller-Couch memorial pillar in Fowey—a tribute to an esteemed writer who captured their imaginations. Amidst this backdrop of innovation and folklore lies the heartwarming story of a Cornish Boatman setting an amateur fisherman straight. It reminds us that amidst progress, traditions are cherished and passed down from generation to generation. And let's not forget Tregeagles Ghost—the mysterious figure whose presence still lingers today—adding an air of mystique to Cornwall's already enchanting landscape. From Joseph Tangye on his velocipede to James Tangye crafting wonders in his workshop; from steam engines propelling us forward into new frontiers to ghostly apparitions reminding us of our past—Cornwall has always been a place where history intertwines with invention. Join us on this captivating journey through time as we explore the legacy left by those who dared dream big in this beautiful part of England—The Cornishman.