Image Licensing : Four fishermen, Polperro, Cornwall. Probably 1860s-1870s

EDITORS COMMENTS

This print captures a timeless moment in the coastal village of Polperro, Cornwall, during the 1860s-1870s. Four weathered fishermen proudly pose for the camera, their rugged faces telling tales of a life spent at sea. From left to right, we see James Curtis, whose lineage includes Emma Oliver's grandfather; Jack Langmaid; William Rowe; and William Oliver. Taken at Osprey Cottage in Lewis Harding's studio, this image exudes authenticity as lobster pots are cleverly used as props for them to sit on. The attention to detail is remarkable - every fold and crease in their traditional clothing speaks volumes about their trade and way of life. This photographic print comes from "The History of Polperro" manuscript by Thomas Q. Couch (1878), which builds upon Jonathan Couch's earlier work published in 1871. It serves as an invaluable visual documentation of the era when fishing was not just an occupation but a way of existence along these Cornish shores. Transporting us back to the 19th century with its cornish charm and coastal backdrop, this image evokes a sense of nostalgia for simpler times when communities relied on the bounties that the sea provided. It reminds us that behind every photograph lies countless untold stories waiting to be discovered.