Discover for yourself what inspired some of our greatedt artists
St Ives Art
For over a century, artists have gathered in St Ives to draw inspiration from its spectacular, unspoilt coastline and to capture the unique, translucent quality of the light here.
Early visitors included J.M.W. Turner and Whistler, and in the first half of the twentieth century, artists like Ben Nicholson, Barbara Hepworth and Naum Gabo settled in St Ives and established it as focal point for the abstract avant-garde movement in Cornwall. The potter Bernard Leach worked in St Ives from 1920, establishing a ceramic tradition which has influenced successive generations of artists.
After the Second World War artists like Wilhelmina Barns-Graham, Peter Lanyon, John Wells, Terry Frost, Patrick Heron and Roger Hilton became associated with St Ives, and emerged as pivotal figures in the development of British painting in the twentieth century.
In 1993 the opening of the Tate Gallery, St. Ives underlined the town’s significance in the international art world. Standing high above Porthmeor Beach (and within walking distance of the Porthminster hotel), the building itself is a fine example of modern architectural design. It houses a rotating display of works produced by the St Ives School of Artists from the late 1800s onwards, together with exhibitions by upcoming artists working in the region today. The gallery organises a schedule of public events, talks and activities which visitors can take part in.
The Tate Gallery also maintains the studio and gardens (also close to the Porthminster hotel) of world-famous sculptress Dame Barbara Hepworth. Examples of her sculpture can be found throughout the town, for instance outside the Guildhall and in the parish church.
Today, St Ives still has a thriving colony of artists, and the streets of the town are lined with independent galleries and artists’ studios. In September, the town celebrates its creative heritage with a two-week Festival of Music and Arts which includes poetry readings, special exhibitions and performances by local jazz and folk bands. Many local artists open their studios to the public during the festival.