Tom Cross Archive at Falmouth University

The Archive and Special Collections Service at Falmouth University holds the collection of the Tom Cross archives which were given to the University in 2009 by Pat Cross after the death of Tom in 2007.

The collection contains over 50 sketchbooks during his 60 year old career as a painter. The record of his creative progress through the periods of figurative, abstract and works in relief can be seen alongside the strong influence of colour' geometry and landscape.

In July of 2024 several art works by Tom Cross,have gone on display at Falmouth University after their donation by his family.

Tom Cross was head of the school from 1976 to 1987, during which time there were many significant changes for the school. As an artist he remained consistent in leading by example throughout his time at the school; actively maintaining his career as a painter so he could lead the students by example.

The new pieces – In A Window, Interior of a Room, and Hall’s Wood – are now on display at Falmouth University’s Penryn Campus. They were officially unveiled at a reception on Thursday 11 July.

Professor Emma Hunt, Vice-Chancellor of Falmouth University, said:

“We are delighted to have been entrusted with these works by the family of Tom Cross. Our heritage is important to the University. Displaying these works and growing the archive is a further entrenchment of those links from the past to present day, as well as serving as inspiration to our staff and students as we pursue our creative endeavours”

David Cross, son of Tom, speaking on behalf of his family, said:

“We are so pleased that the University has embraced these works which complement the Tom Cross archives that were gifted to the University in 2009 together with Thirds – a large abstract painting which is on display at Falmouth Campus. The paintings give relevance to the sketchbooks, and vice versa, so students and the public can see the detailed approach that was taken in the preparation of the final works. We hope that students will continue to benefit from the archives and use the paintings and the sketchbooks in future years.”

Tom Cross’ studio was on the Campus at Woodlane and was where In a Window would have been painted.  The composition of a still life in front of a window was one that Cross returned to regularly through the 1970s and 1980s. He was first inspired by a visit to Eagles’ Nest in Zennor, the home of Patrick Heron, where the Cross family stayed during the summer of 1977, not long after they first moved to Cornwall.

Following his retirement from the School of Art in 1987, Cross had a successful career as an art historian, pioneering research into the St Ives School through his book and television series Painting the Warmth of the Sun.

The donations augment the existing Tom Cross archive on the Penryn campus, which contains over 50 sketchbooks documenting the meticulous preparatory work undertaken throughout Cross’ 60-year career as a painter. The archive is available to view by appointment.