Mermaid of Zennor

A re-telling of the Cornish folktale from the village of Zennor, a place on the edge of the world.

Originally told in the 'Stories and Folk tales of West Cornwall by William Botterell in the 1870s.  It is taken from the oral tradition. A short story, but much loved by those who know it. My version uses poetic language a gives a voice to the maid and the other character in the story Mathew.

 

The project comprises of poetry and illustrations harking back to the work of William Morris, Sir Edward Burne-Jones along with other engravers, of the Kelmscott Press. Morris is said to be the father of the small press which produced some of the most beautiful limited addition books ever made.

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It is my hope that in this re-working of the story I will manage to capture a flavour of medieval or the gothic in my own work. Here is the unfolding story so far.

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In 2019 I began an MA in Authorial Illustration at the University of Falmouth and began research into the story of the mermaid of Zennor. I have to say from the beginning I am not known has a mermaid illustrator. But the story seemed an intriguing one. 

Visits to the village begin with its very nice pub and ancient church. Where there is a strange anomaly. An old pew (oak seat) called the mermaid's chair now in the side wing of the church. It dates back to tudor times when it was carved. Some 500 years.

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What is this object with what appears to be a pagan or mythical creature doing in a 'Christian' building? 

It has been asked did this seat inspire the story? Or was the seat a memorial to a much older and  earlier event? Anyone enquiring about this story will also have to ask the same question. In an age of disbelief we look for the 'explanation'. 

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I decided to come to the story from a traditional view of mermaids. With only a passing interest has a teenager and films that had such creatures in them. 

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The other approach and influence includes my own 'christian' faith and life experience. Having an understanding and belief in the supernatural and the experience of pain both physical and emotional. Carrying the pain of rejection and having fear has a companion.

And owning the knowladge that love both drives and sets a person free. I have tried to express these truths in the words of my poetry.

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