THREE new studio spaces have been opened at Trewarveneth Studios, Newlyn by Cllr Linda Taylor, Leader of Cornwall Council, and Denise Mitchell, daughter of the renowned sculptor Denis Mitchell.

The Borlase Smart John Wells Trust, who manage the historic studios, received £285,439 funding from the Shared Prosperity Fund, through the Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Good Growth Programme, to sensitively renovate a range of dilapidated outbuildings creating three new high quality and accessible workspaces for artist.

Over a century of exposure to storms had left the buildings and slate roof in a very poor condition. Trewarveneth sits in the Newlyn Conservation Area, and architect Rolfe Kentish employed conservation principles on the renovation works, including the repair of the granite walls and the use of reclaimed slate on the roof.

Works were carried out by contractors South West Building and Maintenance with a light touch to retain the character of the building. The studios are now dry, well-insulated, heated, and well-lit.

Chris Hibbert, manager of the Borlase Smart Trust said: “It has been a wonderful experience to see three beautiful and high-quality artists’ studios emerge from the semi derelict buildings that were here last year. I am so grateful to everyone who helped make this happen, and the Trewarveneth tenants and neighbours who have been so patient and understanding throughout.

“We have been trying to raise the funding for this project for nearly 20 years since the renovation of the main Trewarveneth building in 2007, and so very special thanks to the Good Growth team at Cornwall Council who have made this possible. I am also delighted that our three new tenants are all very talented artists who live in Newlyn or Penzance, so this is certainly fulfilling a local need.”

Cllr Linda Taylor said: “Using the Shared Prosperity Fund we have invested over £17-million into in arts and culture projects through the Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Good Growth Programme. Investing in the arts is crucial for the cultural and economic vitality of our communities. The Shared Prosperity Fund has enabled us to support projects like Trewarveneth Studios, which not only preserve our heritage but also provide valuable opportunities for local artists to thrive."

Trewarveneth Studios was formerly an Infants School, and the outbuildings were once the school toilets and coal store. In 1967, artist John Wells, a principal figure among the St Ives Modernists, purchased the school to use as his studio and invited his friend Denis Mitchell to share the space.

After John Wells' death in 2000, it was bequeathed to its current owners, the Borlase Smart John Wells Trust, a charity which manages artists’ studios, and which also owns the neighbouring Grade II* Anchor Studio and Grade II* Porthmeor Studios in St Ives.

This project has received £285,439 from the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund. Cornwall Council has been chosen by government as a Lead Authority for the fund and is responsible for monitoring the progress of projects funded through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund in Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly.