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Cornwall past: old photographs capture the lives of Cornish people through the ages

Turkey farming, St Buryan, 1955 <i>(Image: Harry Penhaul (c) Penlee House Gallery & Museum)</i>

Turkey farming, St Buryan, 1955 (Image: Harry Penhaul (c) Penlee House Gallery & Museum)

By Carol Burns

Penlee House and Museum is home to a photography archive stretching back to the 19th century – here’s this month’s pick of images of Cornwall’s past

Great British Life: Thirsty work: Dennis Thomas at Tolver Farm, 1950 by Harry Penhaul Thirsty work: Dennis Thomas at Tolver Farm, 1950 by Harry Penhaul (Image: (c) Penlee House Gallery & Museum)

Great British Life: Coco the Clown Outside the Ritz Cinema, Penzance, 1957 by Harry Penhaul Coco the Clown Outside the Ritz Cinema, Penzance, 1957 by Harry Penhaul (Image: (c) Penlee House Gallery & Museum)

Great British Life: Making some noise: young children play mayhorns, c.1930s by Martin Ellis Making some noise: young children play mayhorns, c.1930s by Martin Ellis (Image: (c) Penlee House Gallery & Museum)

Great British Life: Enjoying time on the beach - Leapfrog, c.1950 - photographer unknown Enjoying time on the beach - Leapfrog, c.1950 - photographer unknown (Image: (c) Penlee House Gallery & Museum)

Great British Life: Taking a well-earned break at Geevor Tin Mine circa 1920 - photographer unknown Taking a well-earned break at Geevor Tin Mine circa 1920 - photographer unknown (Image: (c) Penlee House Gallery & Museum)