Twice postponed due to Covid lockdowns the Plymouth Society has mounted the second of its three exhibitions for 2022. A mix of painting, prints, sculpture and ceramics are on show representing work from across the broad range from society members. Particular interest is to be found with pieces from newly appointed members, showing in this prestigious gallery for the first time.

The PSA’s exhibition has been timed to coincide with the Penwith Society’s Autumn show and the St Ives September Festival where a full gamut of the arts can be experienced over the coming two weeks. Specific to the Penwith Gallery pianist Rebecca Hunt premieres Waveforms, piano compositions inspired by the art of Barbara Hepworth. The Gallery will also show As I Was Going To St Ives, an experimental art documentary on a continuous loop, to be seen throughout the Festival.

In the words of Cllr. Kirsty Arthur, Mayor, “I am so delighted to welcome the September Festival back to St Ives for another year. St Ives is famous for many things, with art and culture being at the very top! … it brings together all the very best mediums of expression, from music to poetry, from crafting to history talks, there is something for everyone and you’ll find it all here in St Ives”.

Showing in The Hepworth Room is Cornel Lucas (1920-2012). Lucas had an illustrious career in portrait photography spanning over 70 years. His work is held in the permanent collections of the National Portrait Gallery London, the V&A Museum London, and the National Media Museum in Bradford. Born in Highbury London, Lucas began working in the film industry when he was fifteen years old. Throughout, he pursued a career in film stills and portrait photography working for the British Film Studios.

During the mid to late 20th century Lucas made frequent visits to St Ives. During this time he made portraits of the most important British artists of the era who lived and worked in the town. This exhibition includes photographs of the likes of Barbara Hepworth, Peter Lanyon, Roger Hilton, Patrick Heron and Bernard Leach, selected from his personal collection and from the family archive. Many have not been shown publicly before.

The Penwith Society exhibition continues until 29 October

The Cornel Lucas exhibition runs into early 2023