New smuggling exhibition opens at the Maritime Museum

February 3 saw the launch of the new Smuggling exhibition at the National Maritime Museum Cornwall in Falmouth. 

The multi-sensory exhibition for all ages immerses visitors in the sights, sounds and smells of the heyday of smuggling in the 18th to early 19th centuries.  Displays feature a fascinating range of historic objects including a tea chest loaned from the mythical Cornish smuggling haunt Jamaica Inn and opium and silk concealments from the Border Force National Museum. 

Exhibitions Development Co-ordinator, Tehmina Goskar said: “Staging an exhibition such as this, which places exquisite smuggling artefacts on centre-stage, would be impossible without the support of a number of organisations and individuals.  A huge thank you must be given to Tony Pawlyn, Richard Platt, Jamaica Inn, the Border Force National Museum, Royal Cornwall Museum and everyone who has contributed.” 

Smuggling at the National Maritime Museum Cornwall runs from today until July 6.  For more information on opening times and admission prices visit www.nmmc.co.uk. 

The Maritime Museum in Falmouth is also seeking to expand its collection of smuggling artefacts.  If you own any original objects with a fascinating story attached then please don’t hesitate to contact them on 01326 313388.