Art and Artefacts in Cornwall
Cornwall is well recognised as a cultural hotspot with a hive of theatres, world renowned artists and exhibits throughout the county. St Ive's is a magnet for artists from all over the world known for its quality of light and rich history of famous artists. Explore Cornwall and enjoy its excellent art and historic artefacts.
Overlooking Porthmeor Beach, Tate St Ives celebrates modern and contemporary art with a strong connection to the artists who made west Cornwall internationally famous. Changing exhibitions sit alongside works inspired by the landscape, light and creative history of St Ives, and the rooftop terrace offers wonderful views across the town and sea. Combine your gallery visit with the nearby Barbara Hepworth Museum and Sculpture Garden for a rewarding day focused on Cornish art and culture. Check exhibitions, admission and opening information on the Tate St Ives website.
It is a well-known fact that St Ives is one of the few places in Britain to have its own school of painting.
In the late 19th century the town came to be popular with a group of well-known artists such as Whistler who loved the purity of the light and excellent climate.
Following them were artists whose names constitute a roll call of British art in the 20th Century.
The museum contains a varied historic collection relating to the local town including exhibitions on fishing, farmng and mining.
The museum is located in Wheal Dream just a few yards around the coast from Smeaton's Pier.
The museum is open during the summer period from Easter to the end of October half term. Please double check their website before making plans to visit.
Visiting the Barbara Hepworth Museum and Sculpture Garden offers a remarkable insight into the work of one of Britain’s most revered artists. Sculptures of bronze, stone and wood are on display in the museum and garden, along with paintings, drawings and archive material.
Most of the bronzes are in the positions in which the artist herself placed them. The garden itself was laid out by Barbara Hepworth with help from a friend and composer Priaulx Rainier.
Many excellent artists still live and work in St Ives drawn for its famed quality of light and beautiful scenery. Thanks to the hard work and dedicated artists St Ives has a wide range of Galleries showing a wide range of art.
The world-famous Tate St Ives hosts ever changing exhibitions of contemporary art and many smaller galleries which are home of the thriving population of artists.
Here is a small selection of Galleries and Museums based in and around St Ives.
Barbara Hepworth, Back Street, St Ives 01736 796226
Leach Pottery, Higher Stennack, St Ives 01736 799703
St Ives Archive Centre, St Ives Library, St Ives 01736 796408
St Ives Arts Club, Westcott's Quay, St Ives
St Ives Ceramics, 1 Fish Street, St Ives 01736 794930
St Ives Museum, Wheal Dream, St Ives 01736 796005
The Barnoon Workshop run Summer Holiday Craft Sessions suitable for the whole family.
Summer workshops include weekly sessions, Drop in and Draw & Watercolour Workout.
Other creative day courses vary and include crafts such as Beach Find Mosaics, Beginners Guitar and Candle Making.
Founded in 1920 by Bernard leach and Shoji Hamada the Leach Pottery is probably the most famous and certainly most influential studio/pottery in the world.
The Leach Pottery is open to the public seven days a week in the summer and during August and September is offering guided tours of the old pottery museum and exhibitions.
From November the Winter opening hours change slightly from 10am - 4pm Tuesday to Saturday only. Last admission to the museum at 3.30pm.From early January until February half term the three showrooms and shop are open. The museum is open by appointment. For extra opening times around Christmas please contact the pottery.
For details please ring 01736 799703
