Celebrating SURF! in the Press

SURF!, our new major exhibition, celebrates a century of surfing in Cornwall, and has been celebrated in recent press coverage and media mentions.

The exhibition reveals how Cornwall has become a global stage for surf innovation, activism and a trailblazer in blue health and we’re delighted this has been spotlighted in the articles surrounding the exhibition. SURF! runs from 28 Mar 2025 until Jan 2027.

Press Highlights

The Guardian – ‘Thrilling Exhibition’

SURF! received recognition from The Guardian, with a front page mention and spread highlighting the transformative power of surfing through stories like Charlotte Banfield’s, a para surf world champion who overcame personal challenges through the sport.  The piece emphasises surfing’s cultural significance in Cornwall and features insights from professional surfer Robyn Davies.

The Telegraph – **** ‘Superb Exhibition’

The Telegraph’s review was enthusiastic, focusing on the exhibition’s ability to tell a rich, nuanced story of surfing that goes far beyond simply riding waves.

Carve Magazine

As a specialist publication in the surfing world and exhibition partner Carve Magazine’s coverage was particularly meaningful, featuring words from SURF! guest curator Sam Bleakley.

BBC Online

BBC Online shone a spotlight on the para surf champions included in the exhibition.

BBC Radio Cornwall – Friday 28 March

James Churchfield spoke to guest curator Dr. Sam Bleakley about the exhibtion, listen here on BBC Sounds while available.

BBC Radio 6 Music – Monday 7 April

Nick Grimshaw interviewed Sam Bleakley on the Breakfast Show about his surf inspirations and what makes a classic surf soundtrack, listen here on BBC Sounds while available.  

BBC Radio 4 Broadcasting House – Sunday 6 April

Anita Anand explored the themes of SURF! in conversation with Alan ‘Fuz’ Bleakley, one of the first wave of surfers in Newquay in the 1960s,  listen here on BBC Sounds while available. 

ICON Magazine

ICON Magazine took a design-led dive into Cornwall’s surf culture highlighting that “The real triumph of SURF! lies in its breadth, as it doesn’t confine design to objects, but expands it to lived experience—of heritage, family, environment, and self-expression.”

Huck Magazine

Huck honed in on the rebellious roots of Cornwall’s surfing scene and described the exhibition as a dive into surfing’s rich culture.

Other features include:

Country Life , Wallpaper*, ArtDaily, SurfGirl, Falmouth University,  Pacific Longboarder, ITV Westcountry, West Briton, The Yorkshire Post, The Herald, Daily Star, i News

Visit the Exhibition

Don’t miss this journey through 100 years of waveriding in Cornwall with SURF!

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