Applied / Decorative Art

The collection includes Ceramics, Metalwork, Textiles, Glass, Furniture and Woodwork.

Highlights include a collection of around 2500 ceramics from Britain and Europe which consists of examples from most of the principal factories in England. There is studio pottery from Bernard Leach and his followers and local domestic Lake’s pottery.

The metalwork collection contains some good examples of Newlyn copper, a good collection of English pewter and a few significant pieces of local silver. There is also a range of jewellery and trinkets.

There is a wide-ranging collection of artefacts from Japan including ivory carvings, decorative boxes, swords and a nationally significant collection of decorative Shibayama work.

Textiles include an important archive collection of Cryséde fabrics and ephemera and a range of clothing made or worn in Cornwall covering mainly the 18th to 20th centuries. There are a few early 16th century pieces.

Applied / Decorative Art

We endeavour to ensure that as much as possible from our collection is on view. However, there will always be times when a specific item you wish to see is not on display. Please contact us in advance and we will make sure that it is available to view.