Above: Artist John Dyer in the Porthmeor Studios in St Ives, Cornwall

The arts in Cornwall are a key attraction for visitors and locals alike. Discover vibrant galleries, renowned museums, and talented artists that make Cornwall a hub of creativity. This blog will guide you through the highlights of Cornwall’s art scene and what you must not miss.

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Key Takeaways

• Cornwall’s art scene thrives on its breathtaking landscapes and rich cultural heritage. Key venues like Tate St Ives and Newlyn Art Gallery showcase local and contemporary artists.

• Art festivals such as the St Ives Festival and Falmouth FORM Art Festival celebrate regional creativity, attracting thousands of visitors and fostering community engagement.

• Supporting local artists by purchasing art and attending in-person or online exhibitions contributes to Cornwall’s vibrant cultural landscape. It allows art enthusiasts to connect with the region’s unique artistic spirit.

Discovering Cornwall's Art Scene

Above: Cornish artist John Dyer pictured at Falmouth Art Gallery during his public retrospective exhibition in 2018

Cornwall has a rich artistic heritage, with numerous galleries and art venues showcasing the work of local and international artists. In the early days, the artistic tradition in Cornwall began to take shape, influenced by the natural beauty and cultural heritage of the region. The region's stunning landscapes and unique light have long inspired artists, making it a hub for creativity and artistic expression.

Among the notable venues celebrating Cornwall’s art history and contemporary art scene is Falmouth Art Gallery, a public art gallery dedicated to promoting contemporary art and Cornish art history. This iconic gallery showcases local artists, including John Dyer, Joanne Short, and Ted Dyer, and highlights historical talents, fostering a dynamic and inclusive art environment. Exhibitions, like the John Dyer 2018 retrospective, often explore the profound connection between Cornwall's stunning landscapes and the art they inspire, cementing Falmouth Art Gallery as a vital part of the local art narrative.

Iconic Galleries in Cornwall

Above: Cornish artist Joanne Short with her musician daughters Martha-Lilly Dyer and Wilamena Dyer at the Harold Harvey exhibition at the Penlee House Art Gallery and Museum in Penzance, Cornwall in 2024.

Several iconic art galleries in Cornwall are must-visit destinations for art lovers. These galleries display impressive contemporary works and celebrate the region’s rich artistic legacy.

Key institutions include Tate St Ives, Newlyn Art Gallery, Penlee House Art Gallery and Museum and the Barbara Hepworth Museum and Sculpture Garden (now run by Tate St Ives). Each offers unique experiences that highlight the diversity and vibrancy of Cornwall’s art scene.

Tate St Ives

Tate St Ives is a beacon of contemporary art, pivotal in Cornwall’s artistic identity. This gallery hosts temporary modern art exhibitions and showcases work by artists linked to the St Ives modern art movement from the 1950s, amplifying their visibility and celebrating their contributions. The gallery’s dedication to showcasing modern and contemporary art has significantly influenced the local artistic landscape, making it a community cornerstone.

The gallery’s impact nurtures art growth in the region, inspiring residents and visitors to engage with contemporary art.

Newlyn Art Gallery

Founded in 1895, the Newlyn Art Gallery has a storied history of showcasing the Newlyn School of Art. In 2007, the gallery underwent significant redevelopment, expanding to include The Exchange in Penzance. This redevelopment has allowed the Gallery to broaden its reach and offer even more diverse and innovative programming.

Newlyn Art Gallery is celebrated for eclectic exhibitions featuring national and international contemporary artists. Its commitment to diverse artistic expressions makes it a vital part of Cornwall’s art scene, continually introducing new works to the public. Cornish artist Joanne Short is an elected member of the historic Newlyn Society of Artists.

Barbara Hepworth Museum and Sculpture Garden

Above: Artist Joanne Short at the Barbara Hepworth Sculpture garden in St Ives

The Barbara Hepworth Museum and Sculpture Garden is a tribute to one of the most influential sculptors of the 20th century. This museum honours Barbara Hepworth’s life and works, displaying her sculptures in the serene garden setting of Hepworth's home and studio in St Ives. Visitors experience a unique blend of art and nature, reflecting Hepworth’s belief in the connection between her sculptures and the landscape.

The museum and garden showcase a significant collection of Hepworth’s sculptures, highlighting her innovative approach to form and space. This gallery preserves Hepworth’s legacy and offers an inspiring environment for visitors to explore and appreciate her contributions to art.

Falmouth Art Gallery

Above: John Dyer exhibition opening at Falmouth Art Gallery. Over 10,000 people visited the John Dyer retrospective exhibition at the gallery.

Established in 1923, Falmouth Art Gallery has long been a source of artistic enjoyment and cultural enrichment. The gallery is home to the RCPS Tuke Collection, which includes over 280 works by the renowned artist Henry Scott Tuke. Notable pieces like ‘Study for Bathing Boys’ and ‘The Message’ capture Tuke’s artistic vision and testify to the gallery’s commitment to preserving significant artworks.

Beyond the Tuke Collection, Falmouth Art Gallery showcases diverse artistic styles and subjects, making it a hub for varied artistic expression. The gallery’s dynamic exhibitions and programs offer visitors new and exciting discoveries, reinforcing its status as a vital cultural institution in Cornwall. Cornish and Falmouth-based artists John Dyer, Ted Dyer and Joanne Short all have paintings in the permanent public collection at Falmouth Art Gallery, and these can be viewed on request or in mixed exhibitions.

Prominent Artists in Cornwall

Above: Cornish artist John Dyer hanging an exhibition in the St Ives Porthmeor Studios

Cornwall hosts numerous prominent artists whose works have significantly shaped the region’s cultural landscape. Joanne Short and John Dyer are notable for their contributions to naive and colourist art, with vibrant works capturing Cornwall’s natural beauty. Ted Dyer, considered Cornwall’s foremost impressionist painter, has over sixty years of exhibition experience, with his paintings now regarded as modern masterpieces.

John Dyer stands out as Cornwall’s most prominent contemporary artist. His role as the artist in residence at the Eden Project at Boldelva, St Austell and his affiliation with EarthDay.org as an official Artist for the Earth has brought international recognition to his work in the natural world.

Collectors worldwide, including institutions like the Heritage Lottery Fund and the National Trust, have acquired pieces by John Dyer, underscoring Cornwall’s global appeal and artistic excellence.

Art Festivals and Cultural Events

Above: John Howard who ran a printmaking workshop at the Form arts festival in Falmouth to recreate John Dyer's painting 'Gateway to Cornwall'.

Art festivals in Cornwall celebrate the region’s creativity and cultural heritage vibrantly. The St Ives Festival, for instance, highlights the area’s creative energy and offers numerous opportunities for public engagement through artists' open studios and musical performances. Another prominent event is the FORM Art Festival, a free visual arts festival in Falmouth generally held in September. The festival showcases various exhibitors, including painters, ceramicists, and sculptors, reflecting Cornwall’s rich artistic tradition and providing a wonderful place to discover and buy contemporary art from Cornwall.

The Form Art Fair offers free entry, art workshops, food stalls, and art demonstrations, making it a vibrant and engaging event for all ages.

During the 2024 Form Festival, John Howard Print Studio led a community printmaking project, engaging 114 participants with John Dyer's artwork. Each individual crafted a unique small print, collectively forming a reimagined image of John Dyer’s iconic 'Gateway to Cornwall' painting from the Falmouth Art Gallery collection.

‘When thinking about an image that spoke of Falmouth and Cornwall it could only have been Falmouth artist, John Dyer. When I approached John (Dyer) he was really excited to lend his work to this project and suggested we use Gateway to Cornwall as it was commissioned by Falmouth Art Gallery and speaks to the strong art connections we share this side of the Tamar.’ John Howard

This collaborative masterpiece will be showcased at Falmouth Art Gallery, offering a vibrant testament to community creativity and artistic collaboration. The festival brings in over £100,000 to the local economy.

The Royal Cornwall Museum in Truro also hosts various upcoming events and exhibitions highlighting Cornish culture, further enriching the local art scene.

Supporting Local Arts

Supporting local arts nurtures Cornwall’s vibrant cultural scene. Newlyn Art Gallery, for example, focuses on supporting contemporary artists and often features exhibitions highlighting Cornish talent. Visiting these art spaces offers opportunities to engage with local artists, view their works, and purchase pieces that resonate with you.

Purchasing art from local artists supports their practice and allows you to bring a piece of Cornwall’s creative spirit into your home. Whether you buy art directly from galleries or through online galleries like JohnDyerGallery.com, investing in local art contributes to the community and celebrates the region’s artistic diversity.

Buy unique paintings online

For those who can’t visit Cornwall in person, buying unique paintings online offers a fantastic way to experience the region’s art. Ted Dyer, recognised as Cornwall’s foremost figurative artist, is celebrated for his exceptional application of paint and colour. His artworks often emphasise Cornwall’s distinctive light quality, capturing coastal tranquillity scenes like boats in harbours and people enjoying the landscape.

Purchasing paintings by Ted Dyer, Joanne Short, John Dyer or other local artists online allows you to enjoy Cornwall’s art from home. Many galleries, including the John Dyer Gallery, offer secure online platforms to browse and buy artworks, ensuring you find the perfect piece for your collection.

Collect Cornish art prints

Collecting Cornish art prints is a beautiful way to bring a piece of Cornwall into your life. The unique collection at johndyergallery.com features various prints catering to diverse preferences and home decor styles. Open-edition fine-art prints are a wonderful way to collect and enjoy Cornish art. They are museum-quality and can last for over one hundred years in the right conditions.

For exclusivity, signed limited edition prints offer high-quality production and are highly sought after by collectors.

Collecting these prints supports the artists and adds a touch of Cornwall’s artistic heritage to your home.

Attend an exhibition in-person or Online

Above: Cornish artist Joanne Short in her joint exhibition with artist John Dyer at the Porthmeor Studios St Ives

Attending art exhibitions, whether in-person or online, immerses you in Cornwall’s vibrant art scene. The John Dyer Gallery has a long history of hosting various physical and online exhibitions across locations like Cornwall, London, Monaco, and France. These exhibitions offer unique opportunities to view and appreciate new artworks in remarkable settings.

The gallery offers curated online exhibitions featuring smaller collections of new paintings for convenience. This allows art enthusiasts worldwide to enjoy Cornwall’s creative expressions from home. Whether visiting in person or online, these exhibitions offer a rich and engaging experience.

Our quick link guide to public arts in Cornwall

• Tate St Ives
• Barbara Hepworth Museum and Sculpture Garden St Ives
• Falmouth Art Gallery
• Newlyn Art Gallery
• Royal Cornwall Museum Truro
• Penlee House Art Gallery and Museum
• St Ives Arts Festival
• Falmouth Form Arts Festival

Summary

Cornwall’s art scene is a vibrant tapestry of creativity shaped by its stunning landscapes and rich cultural heritage. From iconic galleries like Tate St Ives and Newlyn Art Gallery to prominent artists such as John Dyer, the region offers a wealth of artistic experiences. Supporting local arts, attending festivals and exhibitions, and collecting unique paintings and prints are all wonderful ways to engage with and celebrate Cornwall’s creative spirit.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are some iconic galleries to visit in Cornwall?

Visiting iconic galleries like Tate St Ives, Newlyn Art Gallery, and the Barbara Hepworth Museum and Sculpture Garden in Cornwall will inspire your artistic spirit! Embrace the creativity and beauty found in these remarkable places.

Which artists are prominent in Cornwall?

Artists like Joanne Short, John Dyer, and Ted Dyer shine brightly in Cornwall's vibrant art scene! Their work beautifully showcases the region's stunning landscapes and culture.

Are there any notable art festivals in Cornwall?

Absolutely! You can enjoy the vibrant St Ives Festival and the inspiring FORM Art Festival in Cornwall, celebrating creativity and artistic expression.

How can I support local artists in Cornwall?

Visit galleries and exhibitions in Cornwall to support local artists, and consider purchasing their artwork to help them thrive. Your engagement makes a meaningful difference!

Where can I buy unique Cornish paintings online?

Unique Cornish paintings can be found at the John Dyer Gallery, which offers a secure online shopping experience. Enjoy exploring the vibrant art inspired by Cornwall!