Porthleven people photo book donated to studies library
1:00pm Saturday 8th September 2012 in Helston
A large compilation of photographs portraying Porthleven life through their inhabitants has recently been given to the Cornish Studies Library in Redruth.
The edition is one of only two in existence, which combines both Harbour To Harbour projects.
Over the last three and a half years photographer David Penprase and his wife Jan have dedicated themselves to the publication of their two books, Harbour To Harbour released last year in aid of Children's Hospice South West and the more recent Harbour 2 Harbour, published earlier this year to raise money for Cornwall Hospice Care.
As production of these books has been financed entirely by the Penprases and Porthleven locals, all funds raised by sales have gone directly towards these charities.
So far they have managed to donate over £51,000 to the Children's Hospice South West and Cornwall Hospice Care.
Mr Penprase said: “The books depict over 1,000 people from the village and each page has accompanying text written by that person or persons. It is not only a valuable archive of the village but has also brought the people together.
“It does not focus on just born and bred locals, but also on people that have moved into the village through work or retirement etc, and a reflection of this village as it is, at this time.”
Kim Cooper, principal librarian at Cornwall Studies Library, which houses the largest collection of Cornish publications, said: “We are thrilled to receive such a wonderful donation. The publications are an important record of life in Cornwall and will make very interesting additions to our collection.
“We are pleased to archive them for researchers studying Cornwall today and in the future.”
The library contains a range of books and pamphlets, newspapers, serials, maps, photographs, censuses and trade directories all serving as an insight into Cornish history and aspects of past and present life.
