Image Licensing : Threshing machine in collision with a hayrick. Possibly in St Stephen in Brannel, Cornwall. Around 1912

EDITORS COMMENTS

This print from the Royal Cornwall Museum takes us back in time to a dramatic incident that unfolded around 1912. In the quaint village of St Stephen in Brannel, Cornwall, chaos ensued as a threshing machine collided with a towering hayrick. The aftermath is captured in this intriguing image, revealing the sheer force of impact. The scene is one of utter disarray; both the threshing machine and accompanying steam engine lay partially collapsed and overturned. Remarkably, they prop up the hayrick which leans over at an alarming angle, defying gravity itself. The once proud chimney from the steam engine now rests on the ground nearby, serving as a testament to this extraordinary collision. The identity of the photographer remains unknown, but their keen eye for detail has immortalized this momentous event. This photograph not only captures an accident but also serves as a reminder of Cornish heritage and its rich agricultural history. As we gaze upon this snapshot frozen in time, we are transported back to an era when harvesting was a labor-intensive process filled with unpredictable challenges. It reminds us that even amidst adversity and unforeseen circumstances like accidents or mishaps during harvest season, resilience prevailed among those who worked tirelessly to sustain their communities.