Alison Bevan gained unparalleled knowledge about the Newlyn School during her 14-year tenure as Director of Penlee House Gallery & Museum, Penzance, which specialises in the work of the Newlyn and Lamorna art colonies. During this period, she spearheaded the development of Penlee House’s collection, leading to her being awarded a British Empire Medal for services to Cultural Heritage in Cornwall. She subsequently became Director of the Royal West of England Academy of Art (RWA) in Bristol, where many of the Newlyn artists were Academicians. Since July 2024, she has been a freelance lecturer and curator, and is an Honorary Research Fellow of the University of Bristol.