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Richard Arthur (Dicky Nine Lives), Redruth. Before 1893
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Richard Arthur (Dicky Nine Lives), Redruth. Before 1893
A studio portrait photograph of Richard Arthur as an older man, seated, with a bushy beard and unkempt hair. Richard Arthur was better known as Dicky Nine Lives, after falling down the inside of Pednandrea mine stack and surviving. He died in Penzance in June 1893, at the age of around 70. A report from Redruth in the Royal Cornwall Gazette on Thursday 15th June 1893 states: News has reached here from Penzance of the death of the well known character, Richard Arthur, generally known as " Dickey Nine Lives" by reason of numerous hairbreadth escapes, chief among which was a fall down the inside of Pednandrea stack. This wonderful man was well known to almost every person within a radius of 15 miles, and his marvellous exploits have formed the topic of many a Cornish yarn. With no settled residence or means of sustenance, he managed to exist with the occasional comfort of a " bit of bacca." When sometime ago it was rumoured that Dickey had suddenly inherited a large fortune, he was immediately addressed as Mr. Arthur, and for some reason consented to have his " picture taken" by a local photographer. This photo when exhibited caused considerable amusement, Dickey being taken in his usual attire. The fortune eventually turned out to be a hoax. It would hardly be possible to find in Cornwall a person whose life has to abounded in comical incidents, and a sharp literary aspirant would win immediate popularity by publishing a life of Dickey Nine Lives. Photographer: James Chenhalls
Royal Cornwall Museum is the UK's Greatest Museum For Cornish Life & Culture
TRURI : 2009.1.4
Media ID 19593925
© From the collection of the RIC
Personality Dishevelled Untidy
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EDITORS COMMENTS
This print captures the enigmatic figure of Richard Arthur, affectionately known as Dicky Nine Lives, in all his eccentric glory. Taken before 1893 by local photographer James Chenhalls, this studio portrait showcases an older man with a wild and untamed appearance. His bushy beard and unkempt hair add to his rugged charm. Dicky Nine Lives earned his nickname after miraculously surviving a fall down the inside of Pednandrea mine stack. This incredible feat was just one of many daring escapes that made him a legendary character in Redruth and its surrounding areas. With no fixed abode or steady income, he managed to scrape by with occasional comforts like tobacco. Rumors once circulated that Dicky had unexpectedly inherited a vast fortune, leading locals to address him as Mr. Arthur. In response to this newfound attention, he agreed to have his picture taken for display at the local exhibition. The photograph caused quite a stir among viewers who found amusement in seeing Dicky captured in his usual attire. Sadly, the supposed fortune turned out to be nothing more than an elaborate hoax. Nevertheless, Dicky's life has been filled with comical incidents that would make for entertaining reading if chronicled by a skilled writer. This remarkable image serves as both a testament to Dicky Nine Lives' enduring legacy and an intriguing glimpse into the colorful history of Cornwall's characters from days gone by.
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