Tom Cross and the Truro School Art Collection

The Truro School Art Collection holds almost 300 works by artists who have been hugely influential in the international art world and is a true asset to the institution. Today the Collection continues to be a brilliant educational resource for students at the School, as well as a source of intrigue and inspiration for artists and art enthusiasts across the Cornish and wider community. David Heseltine, former Head of Art (1976-2005), had the insight to begin the Collection in the 1980s to build a resource for all students to learn from ‘real art’.

Included in the Collection are two paintings by Tom Cross, a well-known painter, teacher, and writer. His work spans over 60 years and moves between realism and abstraction, with paintings being completed in Cornwall, Wales, France and Italy – to name a few. Tom also held several educational positions during his career, culminating in Principal of the Falmouth School of Art from 1976-1987. It was during this time that his son and Old Truronian, David Cross CO79, joined Truro School for Sixth Form following the family’s relocation to Cornwall.

The Tom Cross collection is now owned and managed by David and his wife Carol. Mr Heseltine, Mrs Roberts (current Teacher of Art) and Amanda from the Development and Alumni Relations Team were privileged to a viewing of the collection at David’s home recently. The visit offered an opportunity for a moment to reflect on Mr Heseltine’s connection with Tom Cross, how Tom had seen the value of the Truro School Collection and, as a result, had so kindly donated his paintings to be studied by Truro School art students in perpetuity.

Tom Cross’ painting, Road to River, was one of many pieces that were exhibited at the Cornwall Museum and Art Gallery in 2024, which provided an elegant setting for the Collection and an opportunity for the wider community to view such important works of art that have been educating Truro School art students for almost 50 years.