St Ives Archive Photos

We have an extensive collection of more than 35,000 photographs – some of which date from the early days of photography in the mid-19th century – and copies of many of these are for sale, intended for personal use only. The reproduction of Archive photos for commercial use is not allowed.

Below is a selection of images from our database. If you would like to search for a specific photo, please book your visit by completing this form.

For daily photographs from the Archive, be sure to follow us on Instagram and Facebook.

We make every effort to ensure we have the appropriate rights to display and sell copies of documents and photographs on our website. However, we recognise that sometimes there may be exceptions. If you believe you are the copyright owner of any of the material on our website, or if you object to its publication online, please don’t hesitate to contact us.

Barnoon Hill with the tower of St Ia’s Parish Church in the background c. 1900.
The premises of W.R. Praed, Hairdresser and Tobacconist, at 29 Fore Street.
Porthminster Beach, photographed c. 1925, prior to this area becoming a putting green.
St Ives Railway Station as it was in the 1950s.
Aerial view of St Ives from Barnoon, Porthmeor, the Island and harbour areas. Tate Gallery (bottom right).
St Eia House and Bethesda House with washing hanging to dry and Smeaton’s Pier lighthouse in the background.
The wrecked MFV1013 at Hayle Towans in the 1950s. Godrevy Lighthouse can be seen in the background.
The Old Arch situated off the Digey, leading into Hicks’ Court.
The view from the harbour sand to the Wharf and entrance to Quay Street c. 1915.
The construction of Wharf Road in front of the Custom House pre-1922.
Drawing by Henry Gilbert of the refurbishment of St. Nicholas Chapel in 1971.