Literary couple celebrate the light of their lives

A CORNISH couple are celebrating their golden wedding anniversary in style – by writing a book about the 150th birthday of a building which has dominated their married life.

Charles Thomas and Jessica Mann met at an archaeological dig at Godrevy more than half a century ago and their 50 years of marriage coincides with the 150th anniversary of the first lighting of Godrevy Lighthouse. To mark both events, they have decided to record the iconic landmark's history and representation in art and literature.

Both Charles and Jessica are writers in different fields, having published numerous volumes between them. However, their latest venture is the first time they have collaborated on a book.

Charles Thomas is well-known as an archaeologist, founder of The Institute of Cornish Studies, Bard of the Gorsedd, author, researcher and excavator. When he was presented with The Jenner Medal in 2008, the Lord Lieutenant of Cornwall said: "Professor Thomas's contribution to Cornish life and understanding is unparalleled. History, language, archaeology, folklore, art, place names, dialect, military history, landscape, Methodism – these and much more have come under his scrutiny. He truly is a Cornish Polymath."

Jessica Mann is the author of more than 20 crime novels and non-fiction books, the most recent of which is Out Of Harm's Way. A writer for national and regional publications, and a broadcaster on television and radio, she has also worked as a planning inspector, water watchdog and as a member of various NHS authorities.

Their new book, Godrevy Light, is illustrated with works of art, mostly in their possession, by members of the St Ives art colony, other Cornish painters and craftsmen and visitors to Cornwall. Artists represented include Wilhelmina Barns-Graham, Trevor Corser, Garstin Cox, Sir Terry Frost, Rose Hilton, Kurt Jackson, Andrew Lanyon, Jeremy Le Grice, Margo Maeckelberghe, Daphne McClure, John Miller, Charles Sim Mottram, Sidney Nolan, Julius Ollson, Jane O'Malley, Bryan Pearce, Robert Borlase Smart and Francis Raymond Spenlove. Many other artefacts, photographs, maps and souvenirs are included.

Lavinia Thomas, one of the couple's four children, said: "The jagged line of rocks off Godrevy Point, on the north eastern headland of St Ives Bay in Cornwall, lies right across the natural navigation course for the harbours of Hayle and St Ives.

"The reef claimed a succession of victims over the years, culminating in the loss of the steamship Nile with all souls in 1854. This tragic incident caused a national outcry and prompted Trinity House to build a lighthouse at Godrevy. The resulting lighthouse is a beautiful and iconic structure, the inspiration of artists, photographers, poets and writers including Virginia Woolf.

"Over the years, our parents have collected a large number of paintings depicting the lighthouse in different periods, weather and states of the tide. It is these that form the basis of their anniversary book."

Godrevy Light by Charles Thomas and Jessica Mann is published in hardback by Twelveheads Press of Chacewater (www.twelveheads.com) and is priced £18. It is available in book shops or online.