The apartment shown in this picture is the drawing room of the residence which Mr. Henry Boase built for himself at Alverton, and the view seen though the window is a portion of Mounts Bay and Penlee Point.
The silhouettes were probably cut early in 1825. It has been stated that Henry's twelve children were never but once in their father's house all at the same time, possibly this occasion was when these likenesses were taken.

HENRY BOASE RETIRES FROM LONDON

The following is taken from an account of the life of Henry Boase (1763-1827):
His health was so seriously affected by the London winters, that at the close of 1809, he resolved to retire from business and spend the rest of his life in his native air at Penzance. After a preliminary visit with his wife to make the necessary arrangements, he finally took up his residence there. He resided first in Chapel street, at the south angle of Chancery lane, and then in the most westerly house on the South Parade; but having purchased about two acres and a half of ground on the west, or Alverton, side of the town for £1000, he built a house there which cost him £3,500 more. It was first called Park Herbier house, after the name of the estate which it formed a part, then Prospect place, since altered to Alverne hill, and has a pleasant garden.