The 1905 Falmouth Quay Punt Curlew has been named as
part of the History of Cornwall in 100 Objects. Inspired by the BBC’s
History of the World series, Cornish museums have co-operated to
produce a list of 100 artefacts that tell the story of the far south-west county.

The oldest of four boats that this week returned to the National Maritime Museum Cornwall‘s pontoon, Curlew started life as a working boat in Falmouth at the turn of the 20th century.  

Linking to the Museum’s On Thin Ice exhibition about the pioneers of polar exploration, Curlew was purchased in 1968, near-derelict, by polar explorers Tim and Pauline Carr, who gradually restored her.

Assistant Boat Collection Manager, Mike Selwood, says: ‘For 32 years the Carrs lived aboard Curlew, during which time they circumnavigated the globe. They sailed to the Arctic and to the mainland of Antarctica, where they spent five years on sailing, skiing and mountaineering expeditions.’

Alongside Curlew on the Museum pontoon are Aileen, the very first St Mawes One Design, Daisy Belle, a traditional fishing boat restored by Ralph Bird, and Pipkin, a replica Cape Cod Cat boat.

For more information on National Maritime Museum Cornwall opening times and admission prices visit www.nmmc.co.uk or call 01326 313388