The Story Behind the Artwork at Burrow Cott.
The artwork in Burrow Cott is a collection of pieces that mean something - some by local Cornish artists, some treasured family moments, and a few of my own creations.
If you’ve spotted the newspaper billboard and front page of the Western Morning News in the stairway and master bedroom, there’s a reason they’re proudly displayed. The headline reads:
“North Cornwall 999 man delivers own baby.” That baby was me.
Too impatient to wait for the hospital, I made my entrance in a lay-by on the Summercourt bypass, delivered by my dad - a local paramedic known by many across North Cornwall. The story made the billboards of corner shops across the county, the front page of the main regional paper, and even the radio. In fact, the news reached my uncle in London before my dad had time to call him.
My dad, Paul Renals, was a much-loved member of the community - someone people turned to in their most vulnerable moments. He passed far too young. His funeral at St Breock Church was standing room only, his hearse flanked by ambulances and motorcycle responders, with the air ambulance hovering overhead as he was carried inside. It was a fitting farewell to someone who had spent his life caring for others.
He now rests in the churchyard, just a short walk from Burrow Cott. I often take the dogs down on a bright morning, cup of tea in hand. If you find yourself wandering through the churchyard during your stay, please do stop by and say hello - it would mean a great deal.
From around the house.
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Cornish Phrases by Caroline New
The “Dreckly”, “’Ansum”, and “Proper Job” screen prints were created by talented Wadebridge artist Caroline New, who captures the humour and charm of local dialect beautifully. Caroline also painted the landscape of Bray Hill that hangs in the hallway - a lovely nod to the surrounding countryside.
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Abstract Seascapes
The abstract canvases around the cottage are my own take on the Cornish sea. I’m not an artist by any stretch, but I love painting, and these pieces were inspired by the shifting colours and moods of the coastline. They felt right at home here.
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“Cornwall Is Always a Good Idea”
This limited-edition print by The Real Hackney Dave was purchased at The Drang Gallery in Padstow. It was originally meant to come back with me to London but I feel Burrow Cott is it’s home.
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Cornishware Paw Prints
At the Royal Cornwall Show, Cornishware offered personalised plate-making, so each of my cocker spaniels has their own paw-print plate displayed here. If you look closely, you might spot who the grumpiest one is - Toby allowed exactly one paw to be painted before deciding he’d had enough.