Social History Display: John Willie Matthewman

From 20 July to 31 August, the upstairs Local History Gallery will feature a small display of paintings by John Willie Matthewman (1877–1947). Born in Sheffield, Matthewman moved to Penberth in 1928 and spent many years painting the landscapes and coastline of West Cornwall. His work reflects a close familiarity with the area, capturing places that remain recognisable today. Although not as widely known as some of his contemporaries, Matthewman exhibited with the Newlyn Society of Artists in 1937, and one of his paintings was accepted for exhibition at the Royal Academy, London, the following year. Curated by Gordon Matthewman, a descendant of the artist, this selection of works offers a rare opportunity to see paintings displayed close to the landscapes in which they were created, providing a glimpse into the artistic and social history of the area. Usual admission charges apply.