‘Artists of the first Falmouth Art Gallery’ is a dazzling new exhibition which marks the start of the gallery’s new Cultural Triangle Project.

The project includes a programme of |exhibitions, events, |performances, |workshops and activities which will run throughout 2014 focusing on art and artists, past and present, in the geographical area roughly defined by Falmouth, St Ives and Newlyn.

The Gallery, built in Grove Place, was the brainchild of well-known Falmouth artists William Ayers Ingram, Henry Scott Tuke and their friend, the amateur painter John Eva Downing. It was intended to be a commercial gallery with an entrance fee of 6d - £2.50 in today’s money.

The Falmouth Packet on June 9, 1894 featured a long and glowing article describing the works |submitted by the various |distinguished local artists.

The article states ‘first among the pictures comes a large and beautifully arranged Group of Roses by the veteran painter Sophie Anderson and we are| delighted to be able to accord this picture the same status in our current exhibition.

The doors were opened to the public on June 13, 1894 and exhibitions continued regularly over the next 20 years or so.

When the Gallery ceased trading the building was taken over by the Women’s Unionists and renamed Ingram Hall. Exhibiting artists over the years |included many well-known Newlyn and St Ives artists as well as visiting artists such as John Singer Sargent and James McNeill Whistler.

Henrietta Boex the Gallery Director says: “This project is inspired by the important role that Falmouth artists played in the promotion of Cornish painters at the turn of the 20th Century.

“We are launching a wide range of activities and are really looking |forward to working with lots of different partner |organisations and community groups in the coming year and exploring the wealth of creativity that abounds here in this part of Cornwall.”

There will be events to coincide with most of the major festivals in Falmouth this year, including Tall Ships in August.

Artists of the first Falmouth Art Gallery|continues until April 19. The gallery is open Monday to Saturday 10am to 5pm. Admission is free. For more details contact The Gallery on 01326 313863