Liskeard Museum Reopens John Rapson Gallery After Refurbishment

A gallery dedicated to a well-known Cornish photographer is set to reopen in Liskeard after being closed for seven months.

The John Rapson Gallery at Liskeard & District Museum will reopen on Friday 20th March following refurbishment work that began in September 2025.

Located on the first floor of the museum inside Foresters Hall on Pike Street, the refreshed gallery will launch with a brand-new exhibition titled In Reflection: Photographs, Peacemakers, and Pacifist Emily.

A Gallery Honouring John Rapson

The gallery is dedicated to the late John Rapson, a well-known photographer in the town, Cornish bard, and supporter of the museum.

Visitors will be able to see a wide selection of his photographic work as part of the new exhibition.

Alongside the photographs, the display will also feature large paintings of Leonard Courtney and Catherine Courtney. There will also be a tribute to Emily Hobhouse to mark the centenary of her passing. This takes the form of a curated installation created by the Story of Emily, St Ive.

Funding and Community Support

The new exhibition has been made possible thanks to several sources of support.

Funding has come from Museum Development South West through its Small Open Grant and On Display! Grant, as well as Arts Council England. Additional backing has come from Liskeard Town Council, the Story of Emily, visitor donations, and the work of the museum’s volunteer team.

Events Planned to Celebrate the Opening

To mark the reopening, the museum will host several events over the coming weeks.

On Tuesday 7th April, Iris Photography South West will visit, offering people the chance to have their eye irises photographed.

A family friendly workshop will also take place on Thursday 9th April with Lore and Piece Archaeology. During the session, children will learn how cameras help record archaeological finds.

Further volunteer-run workshops are also expected.

More information about the gallery and upcoming workshops can be found on the museum’s website: www.liskeardmuseum.com

Visiting the Museum

Liskeard and District Museum is open Monday to Friday from 10am to 4pm, except bank holidays, and on Saturdays from 10am to 1pm.

Entry is free, with donations welcome. Dogs on leads are also welcome.