St Ives town is full of amazing little art galleries. They range from the really big well known ones, such as the Tate and Leach Pottery, to small collectives producing incredibly varied and amazing works of original art.
My list of art galleries isn’t complete. I’ve added the ones I know well – if there are any that aren’t on the list that you would like added, send me a message. I will be happy to check them out!
1. Porthmeor Studios
LOCATION MAP: Back Rd W, Saint Ives TR26 1NL
Around 1885 artists started to come to St Ives. They began using Porthmeor net lofts, providing extra income for the fishermen out of season. They later moved into purpose build studios and by 1900 there were around a dozen artists studios there.
The building itself is grade II listed, and is constructed of a mix of stone, concrete and timber frame with a wet-laid slate roof. The Atlantic weather took its toll on the building though and a recent £4million renovation has breathed new life into the building.
Artists who have worked here include Julius Olsson, Frances Hodgkins, Ben Nicholson, Patrick Heron, Francis Bacon and Wilhelmina Barns-Graham.
The recent renovations increased the studios to 19, 15 of which are used by artists, 2 for the St Ives School Of Painting, and 2 for the trust.
Many events and exhibitions are run here, including art classes, installations, and the really interesting old net lofts which show how the fishing industry and artists worked side by side.
2. St Ives Society Of Artists
LOCATION MAP: Norway Square, Saint Ives TR26 1NA
Located in The Mariners’ Church, the St Ives Society Of Artists is a wonderful gallery to browse and shop. It features works chosen by guest curators and invited exhibitions, that are a diverse mix of contemporary visual art.
3. Penwith Gallery
LOCATION MAP: Back Rd E, Saint Ives TR26 1NL
The Penwith Art Gallery is located in an old pilchard packing factory on Back Road West in St Ives. It is the home of the Penwith Society Of Arts In Cornwall. The society was founded in 1949 by Barbara Hepworth, Ben Nicholson, Peter Lanyon, Bernard Leach, Sven Berlin and Wilhelmina Barns– Graham, amongst others. Later members have included Patrick Heron, Terry Frost and Henry Moore (honorary member).
The gallery includes 3 public galleries, a sculpture area, artist studios and an archive.
4. Art Space Gallery
LOCATION MAP: The Wharf, Saint Ives TR26 1PU
Art Space Gallery is one of my favourite galleries. It is a collective of seven artists, each producing beautiful but affordable art. It is located right on the harbour, overlooking the beach.
5. Gallery 38
LOCATION MAP: 38 The Wharf, Saint Ives TR26 1PG
Gallery 38 is a small, independent gallery in St Ives harbour, with a unique collection of work by British artists and makers. This includes glass, ceramics and art works.
6. Harbour Galleries
LOCATION MAP: Wharf Road St Ives, TR26 1HG
Harbour Galleries is right on Wharf Road overlooking the harbour. It is an arcade of 7 shops run by local artists and craftspeople. There is lots of work for sale displayed on the walls, and you can watch the artists work in their studios.
7. Livingstone Gallery
LOCATION MAP: Westcotts Quay, Saint Ives TR26 2DY
The Livingstone Gallery sits right on the seafront on Lambeth Walk, getting its fair share of rough seas in the Winter. It exhibits contemporary and modern art associated with St. Ives, its artistic heritage, & future direction.
8. Whites Old Workshops
LOCATION MAP: Porthmeor Rd, Saint Ives TR26 1NP
Whites Old Workshops is a really interesting collective of artists who run their studios in the workshops on Back Road. It is fascinating to pop in and see them at work.
9. Blue Bramble Gallery
LOCATION MAP: 1, Market House, Market Pl, Saint Ives TR26 1RZ
Blue Bramble is full of amazing & uniuqe Arts and Craft, some of it quirky and some more traditional. It is in the round house in Market Place in St Ives.
10. Leach Pottery
LOCATION MAP: Higher Stennack, Saint Ives TR26 2HE
The Leach Pottery was founded in 1920 by Bernard Leach and Shoji Hamada. It is one of the most respected and influential potteries in the world.
The pottery sits on the main road out of St Ives and has a pottery, museum, shop and runs courses.
11. Tate St Ives
LOCATION MAP: Porthmeor Beach, Saint Ives TR26 1TG
The Tate St Ives is a contemporary art gallery which is a super place to visit. It sits overlooking Porthmeor Beach in the old gas works building. It has lots of modern art, holds exhibitions, talks and events.
In the school holidays there are art sessions for the children which are brilliant. The Tate also has a lovely shop and a cafe with fab incredible views!
12. Barbara Hepworth Museum & Sculpture Garden
LOCATION MAP: Barnoon Hill, Saint Ives TR26 1AD
Barbara Hepworth was an abstract sculptor, born in Wakefield in 1903. She studied at Leeds School Of Art with Henry Moore and moved to St Ives in 1939.
Her works are made from bronze, stone, clay and wood and they reflect nature and landscapes. Barbara said her work was a way of ‘holding a beautiful thought’.
The museum and sculpture garden is a wonderful and unique place to visit.
Which is your favourite art gallery in St Ives? Have I not included your favourite? Let me know and I will add it to the list!
