Charles Hancock has stepped down as chair of Newlyn Art Gallery and The Exchange, having steered the organisation through the greatest phase of expansion in its 122 year history.

He has also had a lead role in supporting artists and ambitious art projects in Cornwall throughout his working life. After studying fine art at Falmouth School of Art, Charles pursued a career in arts education, latterly as vice principal of Falmouth School of Art, before taking up the position of chair of the gallery in 1996.

In 2001 he joined the board of St Ives International, becoming chair in 2002. In this role he oversaw the delivery of three ambitious international contemporary art festivals, A Quality of Light, 1997; As Dark as Light, 1999; and Ceramica, 2001.

In 2005, Charles was awarded a Fellowship of Falmouth University for his work within the arts in Cornwall. During this same period he supported the then gallery director in developing plans for the acquisition of the former telephone exchange building in Penzance, and the award-winning expansion of the Newlyn Art Gallery by architects MUMA. Following the £5m expansion both venues opened in July 2007.

A decade on, the gallery is recording the highest visitor figures in its history and The Exchange has established itself as a powerful cultural force in the town and amongst peer organisations and audiences nationally.

Phil Gibby, area director, South West, Arts Council England, said: “For all of us at Arts Council England, Charles has been synonymous with good governance, taking a measured and thoughtful approach to his role, showing steadfastness in times of complexity, and role modelling a considerate approach to the balance between executive and non-executive leadership. Alongside these many talents, Charles has always shown a very genuine passion for the causes with which he engages.

"His unremunerated work on behalf of the cultural sector in Cornwall has been selfless, and sustained over a very significant period of time. He is not someone who seeks out the limelight or is desirous of other people’s time and attention – and we value him all the more for that.”

Charles will continue to support the organisation in a voluntary role, developing and delivering a new patrons’ scheme to support the gallery into the future. "I cannot believe that I have been on the board of Newlyn Art Gallery for over a quarter of a century, 20 years as chair," he said. "I have worked with three gallery directors, Emily Ash, Elizabeth Knowles and for the past 11 years with James Green, all of whom helped to make the gallery the success it is today.

"During my tenure I have been privileged and honoured to be part of this extraordinary gallery with a local, national and international reputation and a staff team who are extremely hardworking and dedicated. I felt that my time as chair was to support the staff, never to dictate, but to listen and offer advice which I have always done to the best of my ability."

Trustee Miranda Bird has been elected as the new chair. He career has spanned roles in both the public and private sectors, she is currently head of development for PHD Global Business. She ran Objective 1 programmes in the culture sector and initiated Cornwall Council’s journey towards becoming a European Region of Culture.