10. Appreciating heritage: Presentation

This note is for those who promote or present Cornwall’s historic environment. Especially through public access to heritage assets and places.

Preservation and management of heritage sites in Cornwall enhances appreciation and enjoyment. The presentation of interpretations strengthens identity, and improves quality of life. Particularly when the local distinctiveness of the asset or place is emphasised. This engagement supports the positive heritage cycle that underpins Cornwall Heritage Strategy .

Cornwall's historic and natural environment has shaped cultural practices and identities for millennia. The evidence is visible throughout Cornwall's history and landscape for example;

• In prehistory the placing of ceremonial monuments in relation to the great tors.
• The foundation of artists’ colonies in well-preserved fishing villages and ancient farming landscapes.
• The response to post-industrial Cornwall that underpin today’s vibrant cultural economy.

Curatorial presentation of Cornwall's distinctiveness helps connect tangible places with intangible cultural practices. This includes folklore, oral traditions, artistic practice, literature, sport and traditional events.

Lammana, Hannafore, Looe and Launceston Castle

Ideal outcomes

• Our distinctive and diverse culture is at the heart of interpretation and presentation. The particular or the typical forms of Cornish and local distinctiveness are emphasised.
• Tangible heritage assets are frequently associated with intangible cultural practice. Intangible value should be better reflected in the assessment of the assets value. Of particular relevance are those that explore historical and communal values.
• Heritage assets, landscapes and places can be venues for various activities. Many are distinctively Cornish, such as workspaces, production, performance, or exhibition spaces. Others may host cultural and physical activities, such as wrestling or gig-rowing. Promotion of these activities and spaces keep them viable and sustainable
• Presentation of collections should include information on the distinctiveness of their origins. These might be places of manufacture or discovery.
• Designation takes account of significant artists, designers, craftspeople and their works. It appreciates their relationship to Cornwall's distinctive historic environment.

Things to consider

• Cornwall’s distinctiveness, like its population, is diverse and evolves through time. Diversity in its interpretation is therefore to be expected and encouraged.
• The Cornwall and Isles of Scilly HER was formed from the Sites and Monuments record. Its principal responsibility is to record and promote tangible heritage. It now attempts to incorporate relationships with intangible heritage. This process is in its infancy. Significant events, or distinctive Cornish cultural practices are not yet fully recognised. This applies to both national and local designations.

Approaches and resources

• The Cornwall and Isles of Scilly HER are based at Kresen Kernow. They are part of the Strategic Historic Environment team of Cornwall Council. They can advise and support presentation of Cornwall’s distinctive historic environment.
• Long-standing voluntary Cornish organisations demonstrate good practice. Heritage sites have developed sophisticated approaches to presentation, as have Cornwall’s museums. Some reflect the increased interest in senses of belonging and exclusion.
• The Cornwall Heritage Strategy promotes opportunities to strengthen recording and research. It supports investigation of links between Cornwall's historic environment and Cornish cultural practices.
• Cornwall possesses a particularly rich literature on its history, archaeology, landscape and culture. Repositories and archives are always expanding to support further work. This work includes the review of long-established narratives.
• Review storage and access to archives and material. Where necessary improve researchers and the wider public access to the evidence. This includes presentation of artefacts, that underpin narratives.