Centuries-Old Invention Crowned Cornwall’s Object of the Year – Did You Vote for the Winner?

The winners of the 2025 Cornwall Heritage Awards have been announced, celebrating the venues and individuals dedicated to preserving Cornwall’s rich history. Among them, the Object of the Year has been revealed after 1,600 public votes – a remarkable life-saving invention designed 200 years ago.

Life-Saving Equipment Wins Public Vote

Taking the top spot in the Object of the Year category was an ingenious cork life-jacket, developed by Henry Trengrouse after witnessing the tragic wreck of HMS Anson at Loe Bar in 1807. The disaster claimed over 100 lives, inspiring Henry, a cabinet maker, to create equipment that could prevent similar tragedies.

The Museum of Cornish Life in Helston nominated the life-saving invention, which was up against five other historic objects from across Cornwall, including:

• A 27-foot-long bus called Poppy
• A glistening ornament crafted from Cornish tin
• A painting that inspired Daphne Du Maurier’s first novel
• An innovative reel that helped prevent drownings in Devon and Cornwall
• A shepherd’s lantern belonging to Reverend R.S. Hawker, author of The Song of the Western Men (the lyrics of Cornwall’s famous anthem, Trelawny)

Honouring Cornwall’s Heritage Champions

The awards ceremony, held in Liskeard on Monday, 17th March, recognised museums, galleries and heritage organisations working to preserve Cornwall’s identity. Mark Trevethan, Principal Lead for Culture and Creative Industries at Cornwall Council, praised the efforts of volunteers and organisations for their dedication to sharing Cornwall’s past.

“I’d like to congratulate all our winners and all the people and places that were nominated for these awards,” said Mark. “Many of our museums, galleries and historic sites rely on volunteers to share the stories of our past. I’d like to thank all the individuals who give their time to ensure exhibitions and artefacts can remain on show for everyone to enjoy, which helps preserve and protect our heritage for future generations.”

Full List of Award Winners

Collaboration

• Smaller Venues: Mevagissey and District Museum – RNLI Bicentenary Celebration
• Larger Venues: Kresen Kernow – Our History, Our Future – Exhibition and Contemporary Collecting

Innovation

• Smaller Venues: Rame Conservation Trust – Creative Enterprise Hub
• Larger Venues: Cornwall Museum and Art Gallery – Mineral Gallery Renovation

Best Project on a Budget

• St Ives Museum – Celebrating the Centenary of St Ives Museum

Heritage Heroes

• Cornwall Heritage Trust – Young Rangers: Climate Action Youth Group

Leader of the Year

• The Castle Heritage Centre, Bude – Mark Berridge

One to Watch

• PK Porthcurno Museum of Global Communications – Jack Foster

Exhibition of the Year

• Smaller Venues: Liskeard & District Museum – Threads: Capturing Memories Woven in Fabric
• Larger Venues: Penlee House Gallery – Flora: 150 Years of Environmental Change, curated by Kurt Jackson

Spirit of the Awards

• Smaller Venues: Rame Conservation Trust
• Larger Venues: Bodmin Keep: Cornwall’s Army Museum

Environmental Commendation

• Smaller Venues: Liskeard & District Museum
• Larger Venues: Kresen Kernow

Inclusion Commendation

• Smaller Venues: St Agnes Museum
• Larger Venues: Kresen Kernow

This year’s awards highlighted the extraordinary work being done to keep Cornwall’s history alive. From exhibitions to innovative projects, the winners have all played a vital role in ensuring future generations can explore and celebrate the Duchy’s past.