Art historian David Tovey explores the fascinating community of artists who made the Cornish valley of Lamorna one of Britain's most celebrated artistic centres in the years leading up to the First World War.
Discover the painters, personalities and relationships that shaped this extraordinary creative community, and how the outbreak of war changed its fortunes.
Friday 6 November 2026
Doors open 5pm | Illustrated talk and Q&A 6pm–7pm
Tickets £15
Part of our Cornish Art Talks series. Book all four talks for £50, saving £10.
Friday 6 November 2026 | 6pm–7pm
Discover the remarkable artists who made the Cornish valley of Lamorna one of Britain's most celebrated artistic communities.
In the years leading up to the First World War, Lamorna attracted a vibrant circle of painters whose work captured the beauty of the Cornish landscape and the changing character of British art.
Art historian David Tovey explores the development of this extraordinary artistic colony, introducing some of its best-known figures, including John Lamorna Birch, Elizabeth Forbes, Laura and Harold Knight, and Alfred Munnings.
Through their paintings, personalities and relationships, the talk reveals how a small Cornish valley became home to an influential community of artists, and how the outbreak of war changed its fortunes.
Event information
Date: Friday 6 November 2026
Doors open: 5pm
Talk and audience Q&A: 6pm–7pm
Tickets: £15 per person
Four-Talk Pass: £50 for all four November talks (saving £10)
Make an evening of it at The Sherborne
Join us from 5pm before the talk begins at 6pm. Why not extend your visit with dinner in The Sherborne Restaurant? Advance restaurant booking is encouraged.
Restaurant reservations: https://www.thesherborne.uk/eat
Please read our Booking Terms before completing your purchase. Tickets are refundable up to 48 hours before the event start time. We are unable to offer refunds within 48 hours of the event or for non-attendance.