CORNWALL.- A new exhibition has opened at the Royal Cornwall Museum in Truro which showcases the work of some brilliant Cornish metalworkers. They include craftsmen from Newlyn Copper, Newlyn Silver and Enamel, Hayle Copper, Herbert Dyer of Mousehole, Archibald Carne (also known as “The Smith of Truro”), Francis Cargeeg of Hayle and the Eustace family.

Amongst the many intriguing and beautiful objects on display – most of which were created between 1890 and the end of the 1960s - are caskets, inkwells, bellows, platters, dinner gongs, mirrors, jewellery, letter racks and fireside sets, all carefully chosen for their social as well as decorative interest.

Chartered landscape architect Colin Pill is the man behind the exhibition. Introduced to Cornish arts and crafts by his father, he has spent the last fifteen years building up his collection.

“It’s amazing how many pieces I still find,” he said. “Not that the thrill of discovery gets any less. Coming upon something that I haven’t seen before is very exciting and never fails to make me smile.

“Collecting Cornish metalwork is an investment but, much more importantly as far as I’m concerned, it’s enjoyable. It’s real art and, as such, is something to be both admired and appreciated.”

Colin has also brought out a new book to accompany the exhibition, entitled Cornish Art Metalwork which is on sale in the museum foyer.