HISTORY OF PORTHLEVEN

On the morning of August 11th, 2015, Porthleven’s history in photographic form was unveiled at Out of the Blue. The exhibition, which is open for all to see all year round, was opened by renowned yachtsman Pete Goss.

 

Residents of Porthleven and surrounding areas came to Out of the Blue to see the opening of the collection, which had taken editor Rod Stephens and project manager Alan Ziemann more than two years to produce from around 5,700 files.

 

Mr Ziemann thanked everyone who had been involved with the exhibition, as did Mr Stephens. Sally Coles was awarded a plaque for her involvement in assembling the frames. Mike Hayles was thanked for the gallery hanging. Simon and Kim Stone, owners of Out of the Blue, were also thanked for being extraordinary sponsors. Ex-curator of Helston Museum, Martin Matthews, was thanked for his support and inspiration. Mr Stephens also thanked everyone who attended.

 

It was an amazing sight to see that many members of the public came forward and gave him more names to match to the photos in the collection, and further information regarding events pictured. Nowadays, the archives are a major talking point in the Freehouse - there isn’t an evening that goes by without someone pointing out an old colleague or acquaintance in a photo, or someone recollecting an event from days gone by. Photos range from local wrecks, to the fishing culture within the village, and of course there are plentiful photos of the amazing locals who have kept Porthleven alive and thriving.