Blog Archive

The Pinwell Sisters

Dr Helen Wilson gave a fascinating talk about the Pinwell sisters and their amazing skill and talent for woodcarving primarily in Devon and Cornwall.

We were shown some truly beautiful work in some of our local churches including some newly identified almost certainly Pinwell work in St Fimbarrus. The skill, imagination and artistry of the 'Pinwell' work was amazing and it was interesting to note that their skill was transferable to stone.

I found it intriguing that it was acceptable for young ladies of a certain social status to be encouraged by their father to take up woodcarving almost as a career and in the case of the Pinwell sisters to set up their own business and employ local men.

I am sure that most of the audience would have felt inspired to explore some of the churches that Helen highlighted, particularly Crantock, St Winnow and st Wyllow.

27/12/2017