Awful damage after 'devastating' fire at one of Cornwall's biggest creative hubs

Several studio spaces at the heart of the Krowji site in Redruth have been completely destroyed

The damage following the fire at Krowji in 2021
Author: Emma HartPublished 18th May 2021

Photos have revealed the scale of the damage after a huge fire at one of Cornwall's biggest creative hubs.

Flames tore through a building at the heart of the Krowji site in Redruth on Sunday 16th May.

Firefighters managed to stop the blaze from spreading to surrounding workshops.

Luckily no-one was injured, but several studio spaces have been completely destroyed.

Photos have revealed the scale of the damage after a 'devastating' fire at one of Cornwall's biggest creative hubs

Krowji is home to several artists' studios, theatre companies, Cornwall Museums Network and Cornwall Heritage Trust.

The CEO of Creative Kernow described the blaze as 'devastating' for the Krowji community and thanked those who have offered support.

"We are sad and distressed to report a major incident at our Krowji creative workspace in Redruth.

"A fire was reported in the early hours of Sunday morning which has destroyed a number of studio spaces at the heart of our site.

"Further office accommodation and studios were water damaged and will require major repairs.

"Thankfully no one was hurt or killed. The artists and makers affected, however, have lost studio spaces, work, equipment and will experience major disruption to their practice and livelihoods".

Fiona Wotton, CEO of Creative Kernow

No-one was injured in the blaze at Krowji in Redruth, but several studio spaces have been completely destroyed

During an ITV News Westcountry interview, producer, musician and artist Stuart Blackmore described the damage to his studio.

"I'm a tenant with a studio there - I've got lots of equipment, three computers, a 12-string Gibson guitar - I think it's gone up in flames sadly".

He said his studio and equipment is "either going to be ruined by the fire or water, because of the amount of water they have had to use to put it out. It's pretty gutting really".

Stuart Blackmore

The damage following the fire at Krowji in 2021

A Crowdfunder appeal was launched shortly after the fire and smashed its £10,000 target within the first 24 hours.

As of Tuesday morning (18th May) the total stood at over £17,000.

You can read more and find out how to donate to the Just Giving appeal, to help the local artists and businesses, here.

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