In the Museum of Cornish Life Shop we stock a range of cards, books, unusual toys, rocks and crystals which you are probably familiar with. But did you know we also stock the beautiful products of local Cornish makers? As a social history or folk museum we are committed to celebrating the stories of making and this is reflected throughout our collections and in the Museum Shop. We have products made from turned wood, Cornish pewter, ceramics, prints and also items made from recycled ocean plastics salvaged from our beaches.

In this photo-essay we feature the products of two designers: Behaviour Change Cornwall and One Blue Eye. These beautiful product photos were taken by Photography Exchange Placement Student Frida Myklebust. Frida is a photographer from Norway and was on an exchange at Falmouth University when she got in touch to join the Museum for a 6-week placement offering her photography skills.

Behaviour Change Cornwall

Behaviour Change Cornwall‘s mission is to recover and recycle ghost fishing nets and ocean plastic into products that never re-enters the sea. Focusing on jewellery, the Museum shop stocks a range of necklaces, earrings and bracelets. Because of the nature of how they are created, each one is completely unique and so makes an especially precious keepsake for a loved-one, friend, or to take home as a souvenir. Price range: £12-25.

The profits made from selling these products go towards further recovery and recycling of ocean plastic.

Each product is named for the closest beach, cove or geographical/historical feature to where the net was found (i.e Looe Island, the Wreck of the Mullheim, Church Cove) and has the name of who found it on a certificate inside.

Traceability is central to Behaviour Change Cornwall’s ambition to keep our seas healthy and plastic free. They trace every piece of plastic from the sea to sale – gathering data for scientists researching the threats to the ocean and ensuring our products are as local and sustainable as possible.

One Blue Eye

Born from a passion for surfing and a drive to clean our beaches of plastic waste, One Blue Eye transforms discarded materials into inspiring and beautiful accessories from hair combs to cute little pots, earrings and keyrings. Price range: £4-10.

Every product embodies respect for the sea, empowering a community of surfers and ocean lovers to protect what they love while riding waves with purpose.

One Blue Eye calls itself a surf brand. They say: “One of the first things to look at is the materials that a surf brand uses in its products. Sustainable brands prioritise using eco-friendly, recycled, or biodegradable materials in everything from surfboards to wetsuits and accessories.”

As a surf brand it is important things are ethically produced. This means paying fair wages, ensuring safe working conditions, and minimising the environmental impact of the manufacturing process.

All image credits: Frida Myklebust/Museum of Cornish Life.