There’s so much more to explore, and we welcome all ages with a programme of activities and events so follow us on Facebook, Twitter & Instagram to keep up to date
Events:
Tuesday 20 August (2pm-4pm) Treasure Island Sea Shanty Workshop – Free
Join Miracle actor and Musical Director, Catherine Lake (Bah Humbug, Tin), for a Treasure Island-inspired sea-shanty workshop. Some singing experience required, aged 16 plus. Free, but please book on 01326 564027 or book through Miracle Theatre.
Thursday 22 August (10am-12noon) Krafty Kids – Free family workshops
Join us at these free drop-in special Harvest Fair workshops where you can enter the kite you make into the show on 8 September (or just take them home).
Thursday 22 & 29 August (10.30am & 2pm) Heritage Trail Tours – Free
These town tours around Helston are being offered by the Town Council and run by a team of volunteer guides. The route takes approximately one hour and explores some of Helston’s fascinating buildings and stories. Please meet at the museum and wear clothing and footwear appropriate for the weather.
Tuesday 27 August (10am-12noon) Drama and Wellbeing Workshop with Miracle Theatre
Join Miracle regular performer, Jason Squibb, for a Drama & Well-being workshop, including drama games, yoga and meditation for families with children aged 7 and up. 10am to 12noon. £2.50 per person to book call 01326 564027 or book through Miracle Theatre.
Thursday 29 August (10am-12noon) Krafty Kids – Free family workshops
Join us at these free drop-in special Harvest Fair workshops where you can enter the kite you make into the show on 8 September (or just take them home).
Friday 30 August Film Screening ‘Tin’ (7pm-8.40pm)
West Cornwall, 1895. A once-glorious tin mine, on which the whole town has depended for generations, is on its last legs. A weather-beaten opera company arrives to give a performance of Beethoven’s “Fidelio” in the town hall and finds itself tangled up in a scam to offload worthless shares in the mine. When the mine unexpectedly yields up new treasures, melodrama starts to spill over into everyday life, reputations crumble and any notion of fair play is abandoned. Made in Cornwall and based on a true story, Miracle Theatre’s feature film stars Jenny Agutter, Dudley Sutton and Ben Luxon alongside Helen Bendell, Ben Dyson, Steve Jacobs, Dean Nolan, and Jason Squibb. The event will also include Miracle’s short film, Wind. Tickets cost £5 to book call 01326 564027 or book through Miracle Theatre.
Saturday 31 August Film Screening ‘Dressing Granite’ (2-3.30pm) – Free
Directed by Bill Scott, this story about two stone masons, father and son, addresses powerful issues surrounding family ties, the challenges of illness and the tension between tradition and progress. The film has been adapted by Pauline Sheppard from her own successful stage play and was made entirely in Cornwall, near Helston, using local crew and cast.
Tuesday 3 September (2pm) Free Talk by Ernie Parsons.
This talk examines the life of Helston born Cornish poet and playwright James Dryden Hosken (1861-1953 ) who became one of the first ever Cornish bards.
Saturday 14 – Saturday 28 September Helston Makes It!
A two week festival celebrating the history of craftsmanship and trade in around Helston. See our Helston Makes It Programme for the full range of workshops, talks and activities. The festival will begin with a launch event premiering an animated film ‘Museum of Change’, and end with a Makers Celebration Day.
Monday 16 September (1-2pm) Free Talk ‘The Making of the Millet Grylls Monument’
If you haven’t yet heard Charlotte Grylls (aka Amanda Boxer) telling the story of her father’s monument, come along to this most entertaining illustrated talk.
Tuesday 17 September (10am-1pm and 1.30-4pm) Natural Dyeing Workshop
Dye your own skein of yarn and learn the skills of dyeing with natural ingredients. Caroline Bawn of gorgeous yarns www.gorgeousyarns.co.uk will lead you through the process. No harsh chemicals. All materials provided. £20 per person (morning only) or £35 (full day) to book call 01326 573781 or contact judecarroll66@gmail.com.
Wednesday 18 September (10.30am-12.30pm) Make a Fabric Brooch
Learn how to make a handstiched fabric brooch with Marie Magor. All materials supplied. £15 per person to book call 01326 573781 or contact judecarroll66@gmail.com.
Wednesday 18 September (1.30-3.30pm) Illustration for Children Workshop
Make an animal collage in the style of Eric Carle with Ellie Jameson, an adult education teacher with a degree in illustration. Even if you haven’t written a book, you can have fun creating a picture for a child. £10 per person to book call 01326 573781 or contact judecarroll66@gmail.com.
Friday 20 September (10am-12.30pm or 2-4pm) Needle Felting Workshop
Bettina Holland will introduce you to needle felting. You will learn how to select the correct needles for the fibre, the safe use and storage of the barbed needles and the many creative opportunities this technique can beused for. All materials, tools and equipment will be provided. £15 per person to book call 01326 573781 or contact judecarroll66@gmail.com.
Saturday 21 September (1-4pm) Tapestry Weaving Workshop
Maria Lee McCollum (Love Mia) will provide all materials for making your own tapestry to take away. £20 per person to book call 01326 573781 or contact judecarroll66@gmail.com.
Saturday 21 September (3-4pm) Free Talk ‘Tips of the Rag Trade’
Denise Stracey has an established background in creative design. She will share some of the secrets from her career in creating bespoke garments.
Monday 23 September (10.30am-12noon and 2-3.30pm) Screen Printing Workshop
Rachel Stowe will run a beginners drop-in workshop. You will learn how to cut and design your stencil and screen print onto paper or fabric, producing swatches to take away. This is a quick taster session to allow you to learn the process. £15 per person to book call 01326 573781 or contact judecarroll66@gmail.com.
Tuesday 24 September (10.30am-1pm) The Bygone Home – Fabric Printing Workshop
Inspired by the Museum’s collection of vintage kitchenalia and scenes of homelife. Artist Vicki Aimers will guide you through the process of printing your own designs on to a length of fabric to make a table runner. £18 per person which includes all materials to book call Vicki Aimers on 07443 867323 or contact vickiaimers@btinternet.com.
Wednesday 25 September (10am-12noon or 2-4pm) Sculptural Art Workshop
Liz Dixon of ArtisticReTreats will guide you through the process of making sculpture from recycled textiles & envrionmentally friendly fabric hardener. You can attend either or both workshops. 10am Make a garden wall plaque, 2pm Bottle Bling Workshop. £15 per person for each workshop which includes all materials.
Wednesday 25 September (2-3pm) Free Talk Helston Railway Company
Come and find out about the achievements of the company and plans for the future.
Thursday 26 September (10am-12.30pm) An Introduction to Clay Workshop
Claire Winterton will guide you through the process of making a pinch pot which could become a mug, a bowl, or something completely different! £20 per person (work will be returned to the museum after firing and glazing.) to book call 01326 573781 or contact judecarroll66@gmail.com.
Thursday 26 September (1.30-3.30pm) Pyrography/Woodburing Workshop
Susie Breeze will give you a taster session, helping you to create your own design to take away. £10 per person to book call 01326 573781 or contact judecarroll66@gmail.com.
Friday 27 September (1.30-3.30pm) Book Making Workshop – Free
Andrew Lanyon will help you make a very individual book. Great fun!
Exhibitions:
1 August – 3 September Miracle Theatre Time Capsule 1979-2019
An exhibition celebrating 40 years of Miracle Theatre touring in Cornwall.
September Helston Makes It
We will be loaning in photographic works from Penlee House Gallery & Museum. More details to follow
Museum Displays:
Step through the unassuming doors of The Museum of Cornish Life for a truly breath-taking surprise – the sheer size of the museum is completely unexpected.
This lovely old fashioned museum, housed in the town’s historic Market Buildings, is spread over five display halls on three floors, and the thousands of objects will keep you fascinated, entertained, and coming back for more!
The Museum of Cornish Life, Helston is managed by the Charity South Kerrier Heritage Trust, and our volunteers work hard to make sure your visit is the highlight of your holiday or day out. Entrance to the museum is FREE, but we encourage donations to keep this wonderful facility open. You can also support us by joining our Museum Supporters Group, which gives directly funds all aspects of the museum including collection care, displays, learning and our commitment to free entry for all.