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University historian curates new Poldark trail at Cornwall Museum

University historian curates new Poldark trail at Cornwall Museum

Posted on 31 August 2016

The BBC’s Poldark Historical Advisor and University of York researcher, Dr Hannah Greig, has curated a new Poldark inspired guide to 18th century collections at the Royal Cornwall Museum ahead of the TV series’ return this autumn.

The museum is home to Poldark author Winston Graham’s handwritten manuscripts, his typewriter, and the Winston Graham Historical Fiction Prize.

To build on the longstanding association with the author, the museum has teamed up with Dr Greig, to curate a new trail of 18^th century objects with links to the TV phenomenon and the broader historical period of the Poldark story.

The walking guide, which takes in a number of galleries across the museum, combines Dr Greig’s ‘behind the scenes’ knowledge of the TV production with her expertise on 18^th century artefacts. Items relating to the series and the period include weaponry, clothing, paintings, and household items.

Fascinating era

Dr Greig said: “The Poldark books depict a fascinating era where issues of wealth, credit and debt were a daily problem. They are complex themes, and as such audiences of historical drama expect a high level of factual accuracy. This is particularly important if we are to do justice to the original novels and its characters.

“The Poldark trail at Cornwall museum will highlight how pivotal objects such as 18^th century furniture, ceramics, clothing, and weapons are to telling the story of this popular character and the period in which he lived.”

Real history

Dr Greig is an established historical consultant for film, television and theatre. Alongside Poldark, her credits include The Duchess, Death Comes to Pemberley, and Jamaica Inn.

Ian Wall, Director of Royal Cornwall Museum, said: “We’re delighted to be working with Dr Greig; without her this trail, which illustrates many aspects of Cornish life and reveals the real history behind the Poldark novels and TV series, wouldn’t be possible.”

Poldark series two returns on Sunday, 4^th September. Follow the latest news from Dr Greig on Twitter: @Hannah_Greig or on her webpage: https://www.york.ac.uk/history/staff/profiles/greig/