Cornwall’s Changing Flora: Discover 150 Years of Environmental Change at Penlee House

This autumn, Penlee House Gallery & Museum in Penzance will host an exciting exhibition curated by renowned artist Kurt Jackson, focusing on the flora of West Cornwall. Running from 9th October 2024 until 11th January 2025, this exhibition offers a deep dive into environmental changes in the region over the past 150 years.

A Unique Collaboration

Kurt Jackson, a contemporary artist known for his deep respect for the natural world, was invited to curate this exhibition as a reflection of his environmental concerns. Using Penlee House’s art collections, including works by the Newlyn School, Kurt Jackson has created an artistic response to the environmental changes captured in these historic pieces.

A Window into the Past

The exhibition will feature paintings by artists such as Stanhope Forbes, Harold Harvey, and Lamorna Birch. Kurt Jackson views these works not just as beautiful pieces of art, but as a visual record of Cornwall’s natural world from the late 1800s to the early 1900s. He has meticulously researched the original vantage points of these artworks and used them to highlight how the landscape and plant life have changed over the last century.

Then and Now

In his curation, Kurt Jackson has focused on botanical elements depicted in the works of the Newlyn School, selecting pieces where local flora, plant matter, and habitats are featured. These paintings offer a comparison between the past and today, showing both the losses and gains within Cornwall’s natural world.

The Survival of Cornwall’s Flora

While some of Cornwall’s natural habitats have been affected by time, Kurt Jackson notes that many areas still thrive. He points to small family farms, organic and conservation efforts, and rewilding projects that are helping to preserve Cornwall’s wildflowers, bogs, and marshes.

The exhibition will run until January, offering a rare opportunity to reflect on Cornwall’s changing landscape through both historical and contemporary lenses. For more details, visit the Penlee House website.