Introduction to the Penzance School of Art
The Penzance School of Art, a historic building connected to renowned artists such as Barbara Hepworth, Peter Lanyon, and potters Bernard and David Leach, is up for sale. Unless £500,000 is raised to purchase the building, it will be sold. The Penwith College has decided to sell the school after moving its art facilities to the main campus.
The Significance of the School
The Penzance School of Art was built in 1880 and is listed as a Grade II building by Historic England. It has a rich heritage, with many famous artists having taught or studied there. Sara Ross, a sculptor, and Tasha Scannell, a jeweler, both teachers at the college, have set up a community interest company, PZ Arts CIC, to raise funds to buy the building and convert it into a studio and exhibition space.
The Importance of Preserving the School
Ross emphasized the importance of preserving the school, stating that it needs to be "brought back to what it was in its heyday." She highlighted the school’s significance, saying that many artists, including Barbara Hepworth and Peter Lanyon, had taught or studied there. The school has served the community for 150 years, providing art classes for people of all ages.
The Community’s Response
Scannell noted that the classes at the art school were "the only thing in their week" that people looked forward to. She added that the room was "so important" and that "you can feel it when you’re in the room." The community has come together to support the fundraising efforts, with artists who have visited the college’s workshops founding small companies and donating work to be sold at fundraisers.
The Fundraising Efforts
The funds are needed "immediately" to prevent the building from falling into disrepair if it remains empty. Scannell said that people have given everything to ensure that the community has access to art, and it would be unfair to take that away. The community interest company is working to raise the £500,000 needed to purchase the building and restore it to its former glory.
The College’s Statement
In a statement, the Penwith College confirmed that the art school was no longer needed and the building had been "identified as a liability for disposal." However, the college added that it was aware of the community interest company’s interest in maintaining the building for creative use and that this was their preferred option. The building will not be openly marketed until discussions with the community interest company are completed. Any proceeds from the sale will be invested in supporting student facilities.
