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Newlyn |
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| Located just a mile west of Penzance, the ancient fishing port Newlyn is home to the largest fleet of fishing boats in the South of England. The seemingly constant bustle and activity of the port gives visitors a fascinating glimpse into this frequently dangerous industry that has been a mainstay of the community since the early 16th century; enormous ocean going beam trawlers, long liners and crabbers that often stay at sea for weeks on end, dwarf the dozens of small open boats that fish for mackerel from hand lines in the Bay. On a road leading back from the harbour is the Pilchard Museum showcasing just how this small, yet so vital, fish is processed and packed for shipment all over the world. Nestled behind the main road that runs around the harbour and connects neighbouring Penzance and Mousehole, are an enchanting maze of numerous small streets and alleys, many with traditional, if highly unusual, names: The Fradgan, Gwavas Quay and Bowjey Hill, to name but three. Looking down on the harbour, and invariably white painted or stone faced granite, fisherman’s cottages and traditional pubs are found side by side, tucked away amid streets often to steep and too narrow for a car to navigate, and all just waiting to be discovered. Off the promenade leading from Penzance into Newlyn is the Orion Gallery which exhibits the work of a wide variety of artistic talent, with particular emphasis on the work, past and present, of local artists in both contemporary and traditional fields. While small, it has a reputation belying its size and is well known around the world. The old quay in Newlyn Harbour was the last British landfall of The Mayflower in 1620, when she took on water before sailing to America with the pilgrims. Newlyn is synonymous with one of Britain's great art movement's, the Newlyn School. The movement flourished during the late nineteenth century, and with Newlyn very much at its focus, inspired artists to capture the area on canvas. The skill and craftsmanship of the paintings by the Newlyn School is celebrated at Penlee House, also home to the historic collections of Penzance Town Council, Penwith District Council and Newlyn Art Gallery. A programme of changing exhibitions focuses on the historic art of West Cornwall, usually including world famous 'Newlyn School' artists. |
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