|
||
West Cornwall's artistic tradition dates back to the early
nineteenth century - to a visit by JMW Turner in 1811. Since then, the
rugged beauty of the landscape and the clarity of the light have continued
to attract artists from all over England, Europe and the USA.
|
||
|
More on Art & Art development and on the major Galleries in, and around, Penzance, can be found at:-
|
||
| Penzance Town | History & Heritage | Antiquities | Museums | Libraries | Parks & Gardens | Penzance Harbour | Mount's Bay | Mayor's Welcome | Other Towns & Villages | Penzance Area Map | ||
Top of Page Home Disclaimer |
||
| This is a frames-based site If the MENU panel is not showing on the left of the screen Click on the 'Window' below to restore the MENU 
|
For pictorial
artists, the clarity and quality of the natural light has always been
a major influence, while for other creative artists, it has been the
relaxed, inspiring and encouraging nature of the environment. In all
art forms, the way of life of the local inhabitants and their environment
has been an inspiriation.
In the late 19th Century, Newlyn became home to
an artistic colony attracted both by the light and the potential subjects
and, by 1884, a group of painters collectively known today as the Newlyn
School brought this small fishing village to international attention.
This group drew their inspiration from the French style of "Plein Air"
painting, portraying their subjects in their natural surroundings with
many painted outdoors 'on location'.
First amongst this group was Walter Langley,
who began working in Newlyn in about 1882. Working mainly in water-colour,
his paintings are recognised amongst the most important of the Newlyn
School. One of the foremost of this group was Alexander Stanhope Forbes,
who brought the Newlyn School to major public notice with a painting
named "Fish Sale on a Cornish Beach", which was shown at the Royal Academy
in London in 1885. The group grew in number until 15 nationally recognised
artists were working in Newlyn. Amongst these was Elizabeth Armstrong
who ultimately became Stanhope Forbes' wife. The Penlee House Gallery
and Museum in Penlee Park is home to much of the best of this work and
holds the largest collection of Newlyn school paintings in the country.