With the Newlyn Art Gallery now in its final stages of redevelopment, 15 local people have contributed a range of thoughts and details that will mark this historical transformation.

Working with artist Roxane Permar, the group from Newlyn have been visiting the gallery during the latter stages of the building process.

Their contributions will form an evocative project that will result in a unique record about the gallery and its importance in the local community.

Current submissions for the project include poems, reminiscences from local historians, memoirs from people who have been involved in the development of the project and information from the building team.

Roxane will be present for the first week of its re-opening and will be collecting further thoughts and memories from the local community that will be added to the project.

She said: "The gallery is such a landmark building and our 'Blueprint' project gives people a new opportunity to come and contribute to this fascinating historical story.

"As there is no specific brief about what should be included, the items and information are completely open to interpretation and we are receiving some really inspirational facts, objects, images and pieces of writing that unearth new and surprising memories."

One of the members of the group, local youth worker Voirrey Palmer said: "It's been really interesting to be involved in this process and to see how the new building has evolved.

"I can really see how the new art gallery and educational space is going to make Newlyn much more approachable and accessible, especially for the young people I work with.

"I've written a poem about it all and I think Roxane is going to include it within the transparent bricks she's planning."

* The gallery and a major new art space in Penzance, The Exchange, will both open to the public on Saturday July 7.

article copyright THE CORNISHMAN