An educational arts charity has been gifted £2,740 following the sale of a collection of prestigious paintings.

Newlyn Art Gallery & The Exchange will use the money towards its works with young people.

The works by Cornish artists Michael Praed, Ken Symonds and Roger Curtis, were acquired by Neville Hodgson, a keen collector of art and a friend of both Michael Praed and Ken Symonds.

Neville Hodgson lived, worked, and raised his family in Penzance. 

The paintings were donated to the gallery by his family because Newlyn Art Gallery was a place close to his heart.

The works were exhibited at the Newlyn Art Gallery before being sold in Lay’s Auctioneers Fine Art.

The family wish the proceeds of the sale to be used to support the gallery’s work with young people.

Tamsin Young, the development manager at Newlyn Art Gallery, said: “We are thrilled that the works exceeded their guide prices and raised more than £2,700 towards our work with young people, schools, and families. 

“We are so grateful to Neville’s daughters for their generosity, and we hope that this legacy commemorates his fondness for Newlyn Art Gallery and the creativity of West Cornwall. 

“Thanks also to Lay’s who waived their commission on these sales.”

Anyone considering leaving a legacy to Newlyn Art Gallery & The Exchange, contact Tamsin Young, development manager, for an informal chat. 

Newlyn Art Gallery & The Exchange was founded in 1895 by John Passmore Edwards the philanthropist and social reformer, who felt that art had an important role to play in people’s lives. 

His vision has inspired us to think about our work with communities: how we might involve them in shaping our work, and how we can become more relevant to more people.