Frank Ruhrmund, our long-standing and indefatigible reviewer of art for the Cornishman Newspaper, has graciously provided (4 Aug 2011) a recent summary of the art and theological life of the Rev James Whitlock, affectionately known to locals and all as 'Jim'. Rather than try to match it, an extract is offered here:

'...Jim studied at the West of England Academy in Bristol and at Brighton College of Art. One who subsequently lectured in painting and printmaking at colleges of art in Bradford and Birmingham, it was almost 50 years ago that he came to St Ives, where he helped set up the Penwith Society's print workshop and studio. However, as happy as he was as a painter and printmaker, the call of the Church became even stronger. In the early 1970s, he left the town and his studio for Cambridge to read for a MA in Theology. For the next 30 years he dedicated his life to the Church, mostly in Cornwall, became the vicar of the three churches in Penzance, and was eventually honoured as a Canon Emeritus at Truro Cathedral, before retiring and resuming his artistic career. That was just over a decade ago, during which time he has exhibited extensively throughout Cornwall, enjoyed several solo shows in St Elwyn's Church, Hayle and in the old Mariners Gallery in St Ives...'

Jim lives and works from Newlyn.