A new exhibition opening at Cornwall Museum and Art Gallery this month reveals the lost works of Terry Shaul, a marginalised artist who never achieved recognition during his lifetime despite a singular talent.

Shaul, who lived in Barripper near Camborne between 1969 and 1991, was an eccentric character; thanks to a turbulent childhood he always struggled in his relationships with others, gradually falling further and further between the cracks in society.

Socially isolated and financially unstable, Shaul could be described as the embodiment of the struggling artist stereotype, occupying not a Parisian garret but a tiny Cornish cottage where he lived surrounded with personal vignettes, murals, wall drawings, and depictions of ordinary things imbued with a powerful poignancy.

For, without any formal artistic training, Shaul was quietly perfecting a style that defied conventional representation and explored themes of simplicity, solitude, and the passage of time.

He clearly painted to escape from reality, nurturing his practice as a form of therapy in a society where no alternative was readily available. 

His paintings could be described as ‘naïve’ for their bright, non-naturalistic colours and simplified forms conveying a dreamlike world; produced on any surface he could find, in these images he indulged his sense of humour and revealed a childlike spirit unbroken by brittle reality.

Shaul left behind a huge body of work which has been brought together by Reuben Harris, whose parents knew Terry, and who grew up with the artist’s work in his family home.

The exhibition draws on the stories and memories gathered from Terry’s neighbours and friends as well as the work itself, none of which has been exhibited for 34 years.

Harris explains:

“Terry’s last years were spent in isolation and ended with his sudden death at home, where he lay undiscovered for days. At the time he was actually about to have a solo show in Manchester, but passed away just before it opened. I think there’s a dark irony there that Terry would have appreciated. He would have been totally bemused, but also touched to see his work exhibited at Cornwall Museum and Art Gallery and to know that his images live on, their stillness capturing the quietude of his life.”

Harris continues:

“To describe Terry’s work as simplistic or naïve is to gloss over something more profound. There’s a complexity and depth to his work, often captured in the eyes of his subjects, that portrays an artist with great substance. I feel like Terry’s work actually has quite a lot to teach us about life - to look past first impressions and spend some time in stillness and reflection.”

Bryony Robins, Co-Director of Cornwall Museum and Art Gallery, said: 

“Shaul’s story highlights the importance of societal bonds, the enduring drive to create, and also how people experience and express trauma in different ways. I admire the stillness, the whimsical elements, the kindness, and the surprising humour in his work, all of which finds greatest expression in his paintings of his beloved cat, Tibby.”

The Lost Works of Terry Shaul is at Cornwall Museum and Art Gallery until 21st June. 

To find out more, visit the new website at www.cornwallmuseum.org

About Us

Cornwall Museum and Art Gallery in the heart of Truro is home to a treasure trove of art and artefacts shedding light on what makes Cornwall such a unique and special place. As well as the permanent collections, the museum has an exciting and diverse programme of exhibitions to discover each year.

An Annual Pass costs £10, while members and Under 18s are free.

What else is there to see and do in April?

Nature Unmasked is a package of free family activities taking place throughout the Easter holidays featuring animal mask-making, sketching and object handling.

A Wild Cornish Future on 17th April sees discussion between nature writer Sophie Pavelle and climate researcher Dr. Mark Wilson from the University of Bath about how species are adapting and building resilience in the face of climate change. 

Kurt Jackson’s exhibition Biodiversity continues as does Original Rebels by Camilla Dixon and Withy Lore – an exhibition celebrating the craft and heritage of Withy Pot making.

The museum’s Mineral Gallery, which was creatively reimagined last summer, is another major attraction for new and returning visitors. The redevelopment of this gallery has been shortlisted for the Museums + Heritage Awards 2025, and won the Innovation Award at Cornish Heritage Awards 2025.