Annie Eliza was born in Newlyn Town. When her fisherman father died, the family moved out-the-Green to Gwavas Terrace, three doors from Henry and Annie Tonkin, a childless couple who let rooms to visiting artists. Annie Eliza was soon modelling for the artists to help the family finances.

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the public were invited to help scrape and paint the undersides of three old luggers or to set up their easels on the Quay and paint....