Cornish Maids is a deeply personal, photography-led project rooted in the lived experience of growing up as a young woman in rural Cornwall.

Maids shines a light on the untold stories of women and girls in Cornwall, set against the backdrop of our homes, streets, and landscapes. The work explores desire, identity, and resilience, contrasting Cornwall’s image as a beautiful holiday destination with the poverty and economic hardship experienced by many who live here.

The title Maids reclaims a Cornish slang term for women and girls, transforming it into a symbol of pride, agency, and collective identity. As a Cornish woman, I photograph from within my own community — not as a documentary observer, but as one of the women and girls whose lives and experiences shape the work. Through intimate and surreal imagery, Maids redefines what it means to be a Cornish woman today.