£1 million art exhibition set to appear in Truro and St Ives

A modern art collection in Cornwall worth more than £1 million is to get a wider berth, the Cornwall County Council has announced.

Beginning in 1961, the collection started after an anonymous donation of £100 was made with a simple note attached merely stating “to help primary school funds”.

After some deliberation, the council dedicated the money towards an art fund for schools.

Local artists such as John Piper, Peter Lanyon, Lady Epstein and Barbara Hepworth were persuaded to sell their paintings at a minimum price and thus created a collection representing the Cornish cultural identity.

The collection was kept under close wraps by the council, using only a few pieces for the occasional exhibition or school visit.

However, the Cornwall County Council were eager for more people to explore the artwork and reached an agreement with the Royal Cornwall Museum in Truro and the Leach Pottery in St Ives to showcase work from celebrated artists such as Bryan Pearce and Patrick Heron amongst others.

Should you wish to visit the anticipated exhibition, why not enjoy one of the famous Cornwall holidays on offer in the county.