The Roy Ray Legacy Fund

Roy Ray attended St Ives School of Painting as a student in the 1960s and was fundamental in its success from the late 1970s to early 2000s. As Principal, he was instrumental in bringing more accessible contemporary art courses and welcomed even more visitors to the St Ives art community.

About Roy Ray and St Ives School of Painting

Roy Ray, who had first attended the School as pupil in the 1960s, moved to St Ives in 1974. He made frequent visits, initially to offer Marjorie Mostyn support during classes following the passing of her husband and Co-Founder of the School, Leonard Fuller.

A skilled artist, Roy Ray was soon asked to help others with their drawing and although he had not taught before, his affable nature and ability to explain and share techniques meant he was soon teaching regularly and in 1977 Marjorie asked Roy to run the School.

At this time Roy’s painting had become much more contemporary and he introduced courses aimed at students seeking access to contemporary ideas and a more personal direction in their work. He invited a number of local artists to help run classes and started a weekly evening life drawing class – so popular with locals and visitors that it continues to this day. The School was now seen by many as the teaching wing of an art community and visitors were made to feel part of this during their stay in St Ives.

With the influence of Roy and his wife Beryl the School became a hub for art and social activities. Art films were shown, and well-known figures of the art world gave lectures. The monthly artists’ lunches were one of the most popular events where artists from all parts of the community, including well-known names, would gather for Beryl’s ploughman’s and a bottle of wine.

By the end of the nineties the School had built an international reputation for its experimental, contemporary courses, unique in its setting and quality of teaching.

It was clear that its status would have to change to meet the needs of its enlarged role and in 2000, in order to secure the future of the School, Roy Ray established a trust, now a registered charity.

The Roy Ray Legacy Fund

Roy was extremely passionate about nurturing and investing in young artists, which is why when Roy sadly passed away in May 2021, he left a legacy for young emerging artists – a group he believed needed a helping hand to pursue their dream – even if the odds were stacked against them.

Now, thanks to the Legacy Fund and with match funding from The Wilhelmina Barns-Graham Trust, St Ives School of Painting has now established an Emerging Artists Bursary for up and coming Cornish artists aged 19-25.

Find out more about the Bursary and how Roy Ray is continuing to bring through some of the most exciting talent in Cornwall via the link below.