The Poly
The Poly is a thriving charity promoting engagement in the arts, sciences and Cornish history through film, live events, exhibitions, lectures and workshops, with our roots in artistic and technological innovation and local industry.
Outside The Poly
Founded in 1833, The Poly was the inspiration of two young women – Anna Maria and Caroline Fox. The Cornwall Polytechnic Society was formed to ‘…promote the useful and fine arts, to encourage industry, and to elicit the ingenuity of a community distinguished for its mechanical skill.
Today, it is a charity working to promote engagement in the arts, sciences and Cornish history. It is the home of Falmouth History Archive, and the proud guardian of locally, nationally and internationally significant collections of heritage archives and many of the works of Henry Scott Tuke.
Our film programme showcases British, independent, foreign language, documentary, Cornish, and classic films. In 1910, The Poly was the first of seven cinemas to open in Falmouth, and – apart from Covid-19 restrictions – we haven’t shut since!
- Find more on The Poly’s website
- Twiter
More from Film Hub South West
Top seven tips for applying to BFI NETWORK South West Labs & Programmes
Check out these top tips to help make your application clear, focused and genuinely reflective of you and your work.
Reframing Film Sessions 2025
Join some of the most inspiring voices in the worlds of exhibition, distribution and restoration to explore exciting ways of connecting older films with a new wave of cinema goers, find out more about restorations and physical media, and acquire practical insights into film rights and materials.
Watershed is the Lead Film Hub Organisation for Film Hub South West, part of the BFI Film Audience Network.
Watershed is a Registered Charity No. 284188 and a Social Enterprise
Watershed, 1 Canons Road, Harbourside, Bristol, BS1 5TX
Film Hub South West &
BFI NETWORK South West
are part of the BFI Film Audience Network, supported by The National Lottery.
