Kresen Kernow

Conservation of rare Cornish language manuscripts

We were delighted to receive a grant in 2012 to conserve two unique pieces of Cornish language history: William Scawen’s (1600-1689) Antiquities Cornubrittanic and William Borlase’s (1695-1772) Memorundums on the Cornish Tongue.

These two scholars and historians were both driven to preserve, study and promote the Cornish language and these manuscripts are the final presentations of their extensive work on the subject. Their rarity means that they are key sources for people studying the language, literature and lives of the authors. 

The volumes had been well-handled over the centuries, resulting in damaged spines, edge tears, creases and stains from hands and finger-tips.   They were gently surface cleaned before repairs were made to the paper and the leather and parchment covers restored.   The project was a partnership with PZ Conservation, a Penzance-based Community Interest Company, and gave book conservation interns an opportunity to develop their skills.

Their careful work has ensured the manuscripts still convey a sense of their long history while being accessible to many more people.  In 2019 Memorundums on the Cornish Tongue was included as one of five ‘Treasures’ in the opening exhibition of Kresen Kernow (‘Cornwall Centre’ in Cornish).  The display launched the opening of the new archive centre for Cornwall, and meant that thousands of people were able to appreciate this significant work for the first time.