Artists began arriving in Cornwall in increasing numbers with the opening of the railways; the trickle became a stream and by the end of the 19th century, the stream was a rushing torrent. As many as 2,000 individuals were coming and going, some teaching, others being taught, but most pursuing at least a part-time living from their art.

Artists in Newlyn and West Cornwall 1880-1940 is a comprehensive biographical survey – perhaps the most complete yet published – of the art and artists of the period. As such, it is a book for collectors, curators and dealers. But anyone with an interest in the Cornish artists or who is moved by the Cornish landscape will enjoy both the quality of the writing and the beauty of the illustrations.

This dictionary and source-book brings together a large team of contributors from the past and present, whether reproduced from contemporaneous archive material or written from today’s modern standpoint. At the core of the book are biographies of the many artists and craftspeople working in Newlyn, Lamorna and Penzance, extending into St Ives and the surrounding countryside.

The Newlyn School of artists has long been a British phenomenon and one which, in the 21st century, still fascinates people – still encourages us to wander under Cornish skies and sit on harbour walls watching the boats bounce on the tide. It’s not the role of art dictionaries to explain that phenomenon but to present the evidence for it – something this book achieves with style.

Stephen Morris

Artists in Newlyn and West Cornwall 1880-1940 Dictionary and source-book,  Melissa Hardie, £55 (ISBN: 978-0-9532609-96-6), Art Dictionaries Ltd