Godrevy Light

The jagged reef of rocks off Godrevy Point, on the north eastern headland of St Ives Bay, lay right across the natural navigation course for the harbours of Hayle and St Ives. The reef claimed a succession of victims culminating with the loss of steamship Nile with all souls in 1854. This tragic incident caused a national outcry and prompted Trinity House to build a light at Godrevy. The resulting lighthouse is a beautiful and iconic structure, the inspiration of artists, photographers, poets and writers, including Virginia Woolf.

Charles Thomas and Jessica Mann met at an archaeological dig at Godrevy over fifty years ago and the Golden Anniversary of their marriage coincides with the 150th anniversary of the first lighting of Godrevy Lighthouse. To mark both anniversaries Charles and Jessica have recorded its history, and representation in art and literature, illustrated in works of art from their collection.

The collection includes works by artists and craftsmen of the nearby art colony at St Ives: Wilhelmina Barns-Graham, Trevor Corser, Garstin Cox, Sir Terry Frost, Andrew Lanyon, Daphne McClure, Jane O'Malley, Bryan Pearce, Robert Borlase Smart and Francis Raymond Spenlove. Paintings by Rose Hilton and Julius Olsson have also been loaned for the book. Other artists from Cornwall include: Kurt Jackson, Jeremy Le Grice, Margo Maeckelberghe, John Miller and David Rust. Many other artifacts, photographs, maps and souvenirs illustrate the book.