Description
This book provides a picture of the historic Anchor Studio and the two artists who owned it between 1888 when it was built and 2000: Stanhope Forbes and John Wells. Three distinguished specialists have contributed essays: Dr Joanna Mattingly on the history of Newlyn, Catherine Wallace M.Litt on Stanhope Forbes and Anne Barlow, Director of Tate St Ives on John Wells. The acclaimed conservation architect Rolfe Kentish has written about the remarkable restoration of the building and how it was achieved. Local historian Barry West describes in vivid detail how Stanhope Forbes’ anchor was found abandoned in the studio’s overgrown garden. The book was edited by Elizabeth Knowles MBE, a former member of the Trust’s Board.
In his foreword Nicholas Serota recalls his own memories of John Wells and his bequest, how the building achieved Grade ||* status and how the funding for the renovation was found. The renovation of Anchor Studio was completed early in 2021 and the exhibition ‘Discovering Anchor Studio: An Artists’ Haven in Newlyn’ opened at Penlee House Gallery & Museum in Penzance on 25 September 2021. Director Anna Renton and curator Katie Herbert have worked with the Trust to present the story of the studio and its place in the history of art in Newlyn.
