A fundraising exhibition of work by some of West Cornwall's most sought-after contemporary painters is being held in studios once occupied by the founders of the St Ives colony of artists.
Proceeds from the sale will enable an artist from another country to visit Cornwall and be inspired by the landscape and light – just as colony founders Ben Nicholson, Barbara Hepworth and Christopher Wood did in the 1930s.
The Porthmeor complex of 15 studios – plus seven in Newlyn which come under the Borlase Smart John Wells Trust umbrella – are now all occupied following a two-year refurbishment project costing £4.2 million.
Porthmeor Studio No 10 – once rented by artists John Park and Hyman Segal – is the venue for the fundraising show of work by Nicola Bealing, Virginia Bounds, Steve Dove, John Emanuel, Naomi Frears, Rose Hilton, Gareth McCorry, Phil Medly, John Mitchell, Michael Porter and Jason Walker.
Jane Val Baker, director of Borlase Smart John Wells Trust, said: "The 11 artists have produced a portfolio which consists of new original prints, plus one that represents the fishermen who for more than a century worked in the Porthmeor cellars."
The trust has also commissioned a set of commemorative jugs to mark the re-opening of the historic studios. Designed by Jack Doherty and made at the Leach Pottery in St Ives in a limited edition of 100, they are on sale at £85.
The fundraising exhibition is in Studio No 10, Porthmeor Studios, Back Road West, St Ives, from 10.30am to 4pm until January 5. Admission is free.
