A Penryn-based arts organisation, working in collaboration with designer-maker Katie Bunnell, has created a unique snapshot of local residents in 2022 by designing 70 plates with local people aged over 70 to celebrate the Queen’s 70th Jubilee.

'My Jubilee' received just under £6k from the National Lottery Community Fund who put a call out for projects to help celebrate the Queen’s Jubilee.

Grays Wharf Director Megan Beck and Katie Bunnell thought it would be fantastic to try to create 70 commemorative plates designed by and celebrating local residents, working with as many people aged over 70 as possible.

Falmouth Packet: Residents took part in designing the platesResidents took part in designing the plates

The team called on local contacts in the Town Council and other community groups including the Penryn WI and the Penryn Memory Café to help gather local residents to take part.

Plate designs were created by participants aged over 70 working together with Katie, Megan and younger members of the community, including students from Falmouth University who helped out while designing their own plate.

The designs were created by the participants using paper and pens in a colour range carefully selected by Katie Bunnell to ensure they worked well with the ceramic process.

Once the designs had been created, each one was digitally scanned and processed by Katie to turn them into ceramic transfers ready to be applied to bone china plates.

These ‘one of a kind’ plates are a unique combination of cutting-edge ceramic technology and traditional design, the 70 individual finished plates have been produced by Digital Ceramic Systems who are based in Stoke-on-Trent, home of the potteries.

Falmouth Packet: Some of the plate designsSome of the plate designs

All of the plates, and the participants’ stories, will be exhibited at Grays Wharf on Commercial Road, Penryn from Saturday 20 to Saturday, August 27, coinciding with the Penryn Town Fair.

Annie Jones, a participant in the project, said: "I thought the idea of making plates was a very clever idea.

"Plates have been used through the ages to commemorate important events but usually for important people, now ordinary people will have a chance to be remembered."

India Brown, a participant and helper in the project, added: "I really enjoyed meeting other people from the community.

"It was lovely hearing the stories from some of the older folk about their experiences growing up in Falmouth and Penryn.

"I loved seeing the photographs they had bought along and seeing how the area had changed."

Former Penryn Mayor and participant, Chaz Wenmoth, said: "My plate represents Penryn Buzz, which I’m really proud of, and the Town Hall which is also the Museum where I volunteer, so the items on the plate really reflect me.

Falmouth Packet: The plates will now be exhibited at Grays WharfThe plates will now be exhibited at Grays Wharf

"I love Penryn, even though I was born in Falmouth, because in Penryn you’re always given a chance.

"If you’re prepared to get on and do something, then the town will support you.

"The community spirit is amazing."

Visitors can see all 70 plates exhibited at Grays Wharf on Commercial Road in Penryn from

Saturday 20 to Saturday, August 27 on Wednesdays to Saturdays between 10am and 4pm

The gallery will also be holding a special opening and celebration event on Friday, August 26 between 4-7pm.