For centuries, artists have been drawn to Newlyn, captivated by its dramatic coastal scenery and the exceptional quality of its light. While the famous Newlyn School of artists arrived in the 1880s, the tradition of painting in the village began much earlier.
Among the earliest accurately dated depictions of the harbour is a work by Penzance-born artist Henry Martin (1835–1908). Housed in the Penlee House Gallery & Museum, his painting captures Newlyn before the construction of the South Pier, which commenced in 1885. It serves as a vital historical snapshot, preserving a view of the old harbour that would soon be changed forever.
Linda Thornton
Jane Godden
Sue Lawler
The magnetic pull of Newlyn’s harbour endures. Following in the footsteps of countless artists before them, painters still travel from around the world to offer a fresh interpretation of the iconic quay. This living tradition is perfectly illustrated by Dave and Sue Lawler who had traveled all the way from South Australia to join Linda Thornton, and Jane Godden in a plein air workshop with local artist Vicky Norman to paint the very same views that have inspired artists for centuries.
The day’s most difficult task was translating the brilliant, neon quality of wet seaweed at low tide onto canvas. It’s precisely this kind of challenge that Vicki excels at.
As the designated Artist in Residence for the Cornish Maritime Trust, Vicki has become the official storyteller for their flagship boat, the historic lugger Barnabas. She has vividly chronicled the boat’s journeys for several years, a highlight being the documentation of its epic voyage to Scotland to be fitted with custom-made Scottish pine masts.
Discover more about Vicki and her work here.
A few days later and another group of artists get the chance to paint in the footsteps of the greats of the Newlyn School and the likes of Gotch and Harvey. This is the first time the group, with three members having flown across the Atlantic from Atlanta, have actually met up in person. They have been working together via Zoom for the last two years, painting and critiquing each others work online. Over the weekend they were able to paint views of the Old Quay with a traditional lugger, the Softwing run by Cornwall Maritime Trust moored against the centuries old harbour wall.
Two views of the Old Quay by Harold Harvey.
Newlyn boasts several artists who provide taught painting courses and holidays. All of them make use of the historic harbour, which will soon become evenn more popular with artists and visitords alike when the local lugger fleet makes it their permament home.
and of course, Newlyn Schoolof Art
