Weather vane will help launch another jumbo
The weather vane, one of a number of items donated to St Ives Jumbo Association for its Christmas auction, is the work of Mark Penrose.
Mr Penrose, who lives at Ludgvan, near Penzance, specialises in producing weather vanes made largely from recycled copper from old Cornish boats.
Like many other people, Mr Penrose's first encounter with "jumbos" came at this year's Newlyn Fish Festival. He was so impressed by a replica jumbo – a smaller version of the better-known lugger – built by Jonny Nance that he decided to feature one in his latest creation. He has now donated it in support of St Ives Jumbo Association.
A charitable body, St Ives Jumbo Association was set up earlier this year. Its aim is to regenerate the harbour of St Ives with the creation of a racing class of replica jumbos – a 19th century fishing boat unique to the town.
The project is the brainchild of Jonny Nance, who built the first jumbo, which named Celeste.
All proceeds from the auction will be added to £7,000 already raised and will go towards the cost of a new boat to provide a racing partner for Celeste. Construction of the new jumbo has already begun.
"The sight of these indigenous boats racing in an empty bay will be compelling," said Jonny Nance. "We hope this will ensure others will join the burgeoning fleet and so establish the class for the future."
The association is now looking for people to donate other artefacts to be auctioned at the event.
Association treasurer Bill Fry said: "We are hoping people will have a good old rummage around in their lofts, storerooms and garages and possibly turn up an item or two they think our auctioneer could get a sale from.
"We are especially looking for items with a nautical flavour, but anything of interest will be more than welcome.
"I am sure anyone attending the auction will find something to their liking to bid for because we already have several exciting and unique items on offer."
As well as the weather vane, other lots already pledged include a signed pot by John Leach – a grandson of Bernard Leach – a studio pot made by Bernard Leach's first student, Bill Marshall, and free tickets to the Tate St Ives, Barbara Hepworth Museum, Leach Pottery and Penlee Gallery. Mr Nance said he was grateful to St Ives' art community for its support of the town's maritime heritage.
The Castle Inn in St Ives, where the auction is to be held at 7pm on Saturday, December 13, has donated a barrel of beer and Cadgwith Singers will perform festive songs following the sale. Anyone with something to auction can contact Laura McCrossen on 01736 793863.
This copper weather vane of a jumbo was made by Mark Penrose
