When the gallery was established in 1895, the intentions were defined
in a trust deed which remains relevant in perpetuity. Stated
prominently among the conditions is: "... the building is for the
benefit of the artists residing at Newlyn or Penzance or in the
neighbourhood".
So
explicit is this stipulation that it deserves to be more precisely
maintained than has been the case in recent years during which the
terms have not been rigorously nurtured.
It is said that many
artists and others hitherto involved with the gallery have become
disaffected by rebuffs and a chain of false assumptions that underlie
recent exhibition choices. Locals seems to have given up belief in what
is in truth 'their' institution - a truly sad, misplaced response.
For
the first 75 years the gallery was administered by a committee elected
from the Newlyn Society of Artists. In the 1960s finances caved in and
the principle of a lease was established.
Modest grants were
obtained which have grown steadily, as has the number of employees, in
a direct ratio. Ostensibly it is flourishing; it has been good at
blowing its own trumpet.
However, somewhere along the line it parted company with its roots. Strong connections with the local community have withered.
It
is argued that the educational activities plus a relentless promotion
of deeply questionable lines in art, the criteria for which are imposed
by the funding body, South West Arts, amount to a proper policy
regardless of the terms of the trust deed which, of course, still hold
good.
The critical mass has now reached epic proportions; a red
alert is sounding. Hitherto regular exhibitions by Newlyn Society of
Artists are currently less than welcome; serious painters who produce
work not necessarily commercial have no place to show. Previously keen
visitors have become bored by a repetitious rehearsal of dull
installations and similar phenomena from which they flee as from any
imposed, indigestible and inert diet. Local people feel that the baby
has been let out with the bath water.
A simple, sensible,
practical solution may be at hand. There is capital funding to convert
Penzance telephone exchange into a large gallery. A logical division of
exhibitions should now be made; this would compliment each gallery,
providing them with distinct identities.
Such a solution will
require mutual goodwill and determination. It has to be acknowledged
that art recently shown at Newlyn has followers.
Whatever
solution is found, the fact remains that there are more worthwhile
artists of greater diversity than ever. It is the duty of the trustees
to ensure that Newlyn Gallery caters for their needs.
But this
will not happen unless people who have been alienated return and are
prepared to be counted rather than complain in the background that they
should have access to exhibition space.
After a period of trial
and error, the terms of the bequest need to be vigorously reclaimed
with a legal and justifiable pride. Everyone, not only artists, is
welcome to become a voting member of the gallery immediately. The
subscription is £12.50 and application forms are available from the
gallery administrator, Gemma Thorpe, at the temporary office and shop,
4 Causewayhead, Penzance.
Paid-up members can propose any fellow
member for this year's election to the management committee.
Nominations need to be in by October 20. There are five places to be
filled and the result of the election will be announced at the annual
meeting at St John's Hall on November 8 at 6.30.
JEREMY LEGRICE
Chairman of Trustees,
Newlyn Art Gallery
Article originally published by THE CORNISHMAN