Trewarveneth Studios

Trewarveneth Studios is a substantial granite and slate building with very high ceilings and large windows. It lies at the heart of Newlyn’s conservation area and was originally surrounded by the wooden studios used by the Newlyn School of painters.

When it first came into the Trust’s possession in 2002, the roof was leaking badly and water was causing extensive internal damage, and the Trust decided to immediately replace the roof to prevent further damage. However the building still required substantial repairs, modernisation and alteration of its layout before it could be reopened as studios, and the Trust set out to raise the funds for this work.

Fundraising was completed in early 2007. The project was put out to tender, and Trustees decided to offer the contract to the lowest tender, Paul Mitchell Builders from Penzance. Work started in April 2007 and completed in early October 2007, on schedule and within budget. The Trust advertised the studios and received over 70 enquiries, and six artists were able to move in on 1 November 2007.

Funding for this project was made possible due to the generosity of Arts Council England, Trusthouse Charitable Foundation, Garfield Weston Foundation, Rural Cornwall Partnerships and three substantial private donations, with additional critical development support from the Pilgrim Trust. The Trust is most grateful to everyone who helped to deliver this project on such a tight budget, especially Ross Harrison from Edwin Bryant & Associates and Paul Mitchell of Paul Mitchell Builders.