In yet another 'first' for Saltash museum their 2024 exhibition, formally opened by Mayor and Mayoress Richard and Sarah Bickford, includes the largest ever display of the work of a renowned artist who did much of his work while living in Saltash. Several descendants and other family members of John Henry Martin RA were honoured guests at the Saltash museum when the Mayor, having been welcomed by Heritage chair Mrs Jean Dent, thanked all of the Saltash Heritage members and stewards for the volunteer hours ‘that they put into keep our splendid museum running'. He reminded them that 'the town council, who own the museum building, is proud to support the society and the work that they do to preserve the town's history'.

Each year there is a new exhibition alongside the permanent display and this year's theme is 'Lost Art and Skills'. It features in particular the work of London born John Henry Martin who travelled the world and studied art in Antwerp before settling in Newlyn prior to it becoming 'discovered' by the

Newlyn group of artists. When it was so discovered Martin settled in Saltash for the remainder of his life. The museum display includes many studies of late nineteenth century Saltash, the Waterside area and the sailing ships of that era. Much of the work, including original sketches never displayed before, have been lent by the Martin family as well as local residents.

The 'lost arts and skills' theme includes many such skills as pottery and early photography, while 'Miss Austin's Haberdashery Shop' displays a range of embroidery, lace and needlework tools. There is also a display of the blacksmith's skills based around the smithies once existing in Culver Road, Moorlands Lane, Burraton and at Longlands.

The museum in Lower Fore Street is now open on Wednesday afternoons and all-day Saturdays and Bank Holidays with extended hours in the Summer. Admission is free but donations are appreciated towards the support of the wholly volunteer run museum.