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The Borlase Smart-John Wells Trust appeal to save and renovate the
historic Anchor Studio in Newlyn has been launched.
Fortunately, the weather was kind and enabled the launch by Sir
Nicholas Serota, chairman of the trust and also chairman of the
Tate, to be held, courtesy of Professor Sean McCarthy and his family,
in the garden adjoining the studio.
With its view of Newlyn harbour, matched only by that of a very
similar view from the studio and one which Stanhope Forbes, his
wife Elizabeth, and the students of their school of painting who
worked there must have appreciated, it could hardly have been a
more idyllic venue for such an event.
Introducing Sir Nicholas Serota, one of the members of the trust
and main organiser of the launch, Jane Val Baker, thanked the large
number of people, all potential benefactors of the appeal, for attending,
and all those who had helped make it possible, in particular, Bill
McGraa for his hard work in preparing the way in to the studio,
and her husband Simon for his overall design of the day's invitations
and programmes and its music.
Sir Nicholas Serota spoke of the purchase by the Borlase Smart
Trust half a century ago of the Porthmeor Studios in St Ives, and
of the Newlyn-based artist John Wells, who died in 2002, who bequeathed
the two properties he owned to the Borlase Smart Trust.
These were the Anchor Studio, the sole survivor of the studios
built by Arthur Bateman in the 1890s in the area known as The Meadow
to meet the rising tide of artists then flowing into Newlyn, and
the Trewarveneth Studio, the former school John Wells shared with
the sculptor Denis Mitchell as a studio for many years.
Such an act of generosity, which caused the name of the trust to
be changed to that of the Borlase Smart-John Wells Trust, came about
through John Wells' deep concern that in future years young artists
would find it increasingly difficult to secure either living or
studio spaces in Newlyn.
Sir Nicholas Serota said: "The Trust is now honouring John
Wells' wishes. One of its first tasks will be the re-roofing of
the Trewarveneth Studio which will provide space for five studios.
As the Anchor Studio, which will have a studio upstairs and living
quarters downstairs, is now a listed building, the trust should
be able to obtain grants towards its renovation."
Although the total cost of its saving and renovating has yet to
be determined, it is known that at least £150,000 will be
needed and, while the Heritage Lottery Fund has shown an interest
in the project, the trust needs to raise substantial funds itself,
which it hopes to do with this appeal.
A pledge book opened at the launch met with excellent response
just over £6,000 being given. Anyone making a donation will
have his or her name recorded for posterity, and there will also
be a copper scroll outside the Anchor Studio carrying the names
of those who donate £1,000 or more.
Sir Nicholas Serota said: "With all that is about to happen
at Newlyn Art Gallery and at the former Telephone Exchange in Penzance,
these are exciting, optimistic times for art in Newlyn and Penzance."
For those wishing to be part of the Anchor Studio Appeal, cheques
made payable to the Borlase Smart-John Wells Trust can be sent c/o
Greenwood-Wilson, The Old School, The Stennack, St Ives, TR26 IQU.
article copyright © THE CORNISHMAN
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