Galleries St Ives

There are many galleries in St Ives in Cornwall, and we occasionally hold major exhibitions in St Ives, but our online gallery brings you the best St Ives art from Cornwall's most famous and collected contemporary artists online to make selecting quality art with authentic provenance and history easy wherever you are.

Welcome to our St Ives gallery collection of contemporary art and artwork inspired by this fantastic Cornish town and St Ives harbour on the North Coast of Cornwall. This collection features all the available art, St Ives painting, prints and artist-designed gifts inspired by St Ives. With art from John Dyer, Ted Dyer, Joanne Short, and St Ives School artist Alfred Wallis, you will find something to bring St Ives and the Cornish coast into your home. The St Ives artists' paintings for sale are available now with free worldwide delivery to your door.

You might like our dedicated collection of St Ives Prints.

▼St Ives Gallery: A Haven for Art Enthusiasts

If you’re exploring and searching for ‘St Ives gallery’, you’re on a path to discover one of the UK’s premier art destinations. This guide dives straight into the essence of St Ives’ art community, featuring famed institutions like Tate St Ives and showcasing the intimate charm of smaller, artist-run galleries. Understand the interplay of light and sea that has inspired generations of artists, and how you can engage with St Ives’ rich artistic narrative.

Key Takeaways

St Ives is a historical cultural hub attracting artists due to its quality of light and coastal views, offering a wealth of galleries, local artist exhibitions, and art education through the St Ives School of Painting.

Galleries in St Ives showcase a diverse range of art including ceramics, crafts, and paintings, and provide opportunities to view art in progress and interact directly with artists, enhancing the visitor experience.

The town’s art scene extends beyond galleries, with hands-on workshops and studio visits at places like the St Ives School of Painting and Porthmeor Studios, allowing for deeper engagement with the art community.

Discovering the Artistic Soul of St Ives

As intricate and captivating as the tides that kiss its shores is the artistic soul of St Ives. For almost two centuries, the town has been a magnet for artists, celebrated for its exceptional quality of light and inspiring coastal views. As you wander through the streets of St Ives, you’ll encounter a diverse array of galleries, each offering glimpses into the creative genius that this place inspires.

Established in 1927, the St Ives Society of Artists is a cornerstone of the town’s artistic community. The society, comprising roughly 80 artists with Cornish ties, continues its legacy of supporting and exhibiting local artists’ work. It’s not only the physical beauty of St Ives that inspires, but also the sense of community and shared passion for art.

But it’s not only about viewing and appreciating art. The St Ives School of Painting offers academic offerings, including online courses, enabling individuals to engage with the artistic essence of St Ives from anywhere. Celebrated artist John Dyer, a tutor at the school, further enhances the town’s reputation as an artistic hub by inspiring young artists in St Ives.

The Tapestry of St Ives Art Galleries

The art galleries of St Ives form a complex tapestry of creativity, each strand unique yet interconnected. These galleries host an eclectic mix of original work from both well-known and emerging artists. Each visit is an adventure, with the town’s art offerings spanning:

• impressive ceramics

• quirky crafts

• abstract and figurative paintings

• jewellery

• and other mediums

There’s more to these galleries than simply the art on display. They are celebrated for:

• their beautifully presented spaces

• offering art lovers the opportunity to view art in progress

• the chance to purchase prints in various sizes
 * the friendly and knowledgeable staff

• the high quality and originality of artworks

• the unique experience of purchasing directly from the artists

These factors draw consistent praise from visitors to St Ives galleries.

The Influence of the Sea on St Ives Art

St Ives has always been shaped significantly, both physically and artistically, by the sea. Since the 1800s, the town’s unique coastal environment, the soft light, and the turquoise sea have been crucial in attracting a diverse range of artists. The town’s soft and diffuse light, altered by its location facing the Atlantic Ocean, provides rapidly changing effects that serve as both an inspiration and a challenge to artists.

Artists like Peter Lanyon and Terry Frost have interpreted the dramatic cliffs, seas, and natural scenery of West Cornwall, with their artwork exuding the colours, rhythms, and landscapes of the region. The natural landscapes and seascapes of St Ives were also essential inspirations for many abstractionists, who translated the raw vitality of these environments into their abstract forms. This dialogue between the artists of St Ives and the sea that surrounds them continues to this day, with contemporary painters contributing to the town’s rich artistic heritage.

Porthminster Gallery: A Cornish Gem

Porthminster Gallery is:

a sparkling gem in the artistic crown of St Ives

positioned as a cornerstone within the vibrant St Ives art community

showcasing unique and special art pieces by local artists

attracting art enthusiasts seeking to obtain memorable pieces.

With exhibitions often centered around the beauty of Cornwall’s landscapes and seascapes, the gallery’s diverse collection spans across contemporary art, including paintings, ceramics, and sculptures. Providing a platform for an array of talented artists showcasing both established figures and new artists making their mark, Porthminster Gallery stands out as a purveyor of carefully selected art, emphasising on curating and selling shows that feature original works by emerging and leading southwest and invited artists.

Tate St Ives: An Icon of Modern Art

Another beacon in the artistic landscape of St Ives is Tate St Ives. A contemporary art gallery situated at Porthmeor Beach, it overlooks the beach and enriches the artistic landscape of St Ives.

Celebrating St Ives' Modernist Roots

Tate St Ives celebrates the town’s modernist roots by exhibiting a collection representing the pinnacle of St Ives School art. This emphasis on the modernist and abstract movements in British art from the 1940s to the 1960s ties the town’s past to its vibrant present.

The gallery is instrumental in maintaining the artistic heritage of the town by honouring British artists such as Ben Nicholson, Peter Lanyon, Wilhelmina Barns-Graham, and William Scott. The St Ives group, consisting of luminaries like Ben Nicholson, was deeply inspired by the local environment and significantly influenced the progression of British and European modernism. Exhibitions at the gallery, including ‘Collect | Modern Art’, feature museum-quality works by 20th Century modern art trailblazers such as Wilhelmina Barns-Graham, aimed at educating and engaging newer generations.

Art for All Ages

Art is a language that speaks to all ages, and Tate St Ives is committed to making this language accessible to everyone. Children can engage in the holiday art challenge at Tate St Ives, designed to encourage exploration and creativity in the gallery’s space. Items like the new Sketchbook and Explorer Backpacks are offered to enhance their experience at Tate St Ives. The holiday art challenge includes various creative categories such as:

• becoming a Performance Poet

• Map Maker

• Shape Shifter

• creating a Window Wonder

Tate St Ives caters to educators by offering sessions, tours, and workshops tailored for education. However, advance booking and adherence to adult-to-student supervision ratios are required. These initiatives make art an engaging and enriching experience for people of all ages.

The Legacy of Barbara Hepworth in St Ives

Barbara Hepworth’s profound legacy is evident in every corner of St Ives. Having chosen the seclusion of her home in the town over the distractions of fame, she worked there from 1949 until her death in 1975, alongside other notable artists like Patrick Heron.

he craggy coastal scenery of St Ives deeply influenced Hepworth’s art, with the shapes and textures of sea-worn rocks visible in her organic, biomorphic sculptures.

A Walk Through the Sculpture Garden

The Barbara Hepworth Museum and Sculpture Garden in St Ives is a testament to the artist’s legacy in the town. The garden showcases Hepworth’s abstract sculptures set in an outdoor environment, blending art seamlessly with the lush surroundings.

As visitors wander through the sculpture garden, they can immerse themselves in Hepworth’s vision, encountering abstract works thoughtfully positioned amongst the vegetation, enhancing the tranquility of the experience.

Inside the Barbara Hepworth Museum

Inside the Barbara Hepworth Museum, visitors can view an extensive collection of Hepworth’s work, including:

• sculptures

• paintings

• drawings

• prints

• designs

These works span nearly five decades and allow visitors to explore Hepworth’s artistic journey. In addition to the artwork, the museum also displays personal letters, offering a window into Hepworth’s creative thoughts and processes. The museum, which was originally Hepworth’s home and studio, is a testament to the artist’s dedication to her craft.

The Unique Offerings of Local St Ives Artists

In addition to the town’s famous artists who have certainly left their mark, local St Ives artists also contribute unique offerings deserving recognition. St Ives boasts a diverse selection of art galleries, each with its unique focus, ranging from contemporary and modern art to traditional works emphasising Cornish subjects.

A variety of contemporary crafts and artworks by contemporary artists, including affordable art, critically engaged contemporary pieces, and a mix of painting, sculpture, and ceramics, can be found across St Ives galleries by visitors.

Original Art at Artist-Run Spaces

Artist-run galleries in St Ives provide an intimate space where visitors can engage with the creators and experience the art-making process. These spaces, such as the Salthouse Gallery, are instrumental in giving a platform to local emerging artists to showcase contemporary art.

The direct interaction between artists and visitors creates a unique dynamic, fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation of the art and the creative process behind it.

The Craftspeople of St Ives

Beyond paintings and sculptures, St Ives is also famed for its high-quality ceramic art. The pieces that are considered museum-quality showcasing at various ceramics-focused galleries. The Leach Pottery, established by Bernard Leach and Shoji Hamada in 1920, is a significant part of St Ives’ artistic heritage and continues to offer pottery workshops today.

The pottery not only operates as an integral piece of the town’s arts scene but also as a prestigious gallery, further testament to the multi-faceted nature of St Ives’ art scene.

A Creative Hub: Workshops and Studio Visits

St Ives’ creative pulse extends beyond its galleries. The town is also a hub for art workshops and studio visits, offering opportunities for hands-on experience and a deeper understanding of the artistic process.

With over 85 years of operation and located in the Porthmeor studios boasting inspiring ocean views, the St Ives School of Painting offers art courses for all levels. Artists can choose from a range of workshops including studio courses for individual skill development, weekend art getaways, and artist development programs with personalised mentoring.

Studio Tours: A Behind-the-Scenes Look

Studio tours offer a behind-the-scenes look at the creative process, allowing visitors to witness the birth of art firsthand. Group visits to Porthmeor Studios, which include specialist-led tours and workshops, can be arranged through the Tate St Ives ticketing team.

Porthmeor Studios has a storied past beginning in 1885, serving as a workspace for acclaimed artists like Francis Bacon and Wilhelmina Barns-Graham.

Workshops: Unleashing Your Inner Artist

Take the chance to unleash your inner artist at the workshops at the St Ives School of Painting. The school offers a diverse range of workshops tailored to various skill levels, from beginners to advanced artists, at the historic Porthmeor Studios. Participants in the workshops can select from themes that focus on specific artistic interests, such as marine landscapes influenced by St Ives scenic views or the iconic St Ives Modernists’ styles.

Dedicated small group classes and personalised mentoring programs allow artists to refine their techniques in various mediums, providing a nurturing environment to develop their creative skills.

The Mariners Church: A Sanctuary for Art

Another unique facet of St Ives’ art scene is the Mariners Church. The church serves as a sanctuary for art, hosting diverse exhibitions and events in its gallery spaces, such as the Crypt Gallery. The St Ives Society of Artists now presents a variety of exhibitions in the Mariners’ Gallery, with a selection of both traditional and contemporary artwork, demonstrating the evolution of the space’s use.

Artistic diversity is celebrated in the Mariners’ Gallery with curated exhibitions that feature painting, sculpture, and printmaking among other artistic forms.

The Artistic Landscape Beyond St Ives

The artistic landscape extends well beyond the borders of St Ives, which is undoubtedly a hub for art. Nearby towns like Penzance, Falmouth and Hayle are recognised as part of Cornwall’s broader artistic community, which extends the region’s reputation as a hub for artists beyond St Ives.

Penzance boasts its own vibrant artistic scene with galleries such as Penlee House Gallery & Museum that exhibits work related to Cornwall and its history. Artistic events in towns like Penzance and Hayle, including exhibitions, studio tours, and festivals, complement the art offerings in St Ives and enrich the cultural landscape of Cornwall.

Where to Find St Ives Galleries

Scattered throughout the town, St Ives’ galleries each offer unique art experiences and collections.

• The Penwith Gallery, home to the Penwith Society of Arts, is housed in a former pilchard packing factory and can be found at Back Rd E, St Ives TR26 1NL.

• The St Ives Society of Artists, housed in a former church, is located at St Ives Society of Artists, Norway Square, St Ives, TR26 1NA.

• The Tate St Ives provides a visual story to help potential visitors know what to expect, including photos and detailed information about the gallery. It is situated at Porthmeor Beach, St Ives, Cornwall TR26 1TG.

Buy St Ives art online from the comfort of your own home

Just a click away, you can bring the beauty of St Ives into your living space. You can purchase St Ives art online, experiencing the rich artistic heritage of the town from the comfort of your own home. The online platform of the John Dyer Gallery offers a variety of artworks inspired by St Ives, making it easy to find a piece that resonates with you.

Whether you’re a seasoned art collector or simply an enthusiast, the convenience of online shopping allows you to explore and own a piece of St Ives’ artistic legacy.

Summary

The unique light and captivating landscapes of St Ives have nurtured a vibrant artistic community, resulting in a rich tapestry of art galleries and artists. Whether it’s through the diverse exhibitions in the galleries, the activities at Tate St Ives, or the workshops at the St Ives School of Painting, there are numerous ways to immerse yourself in the artistic soul of the town. And even if you can’t visit in person, the opportunity to buy St Ives art online allows you to bring a piece of this artistic haven into your own home.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the significance of St Ives in the art world?

St Ives is significant in the art world due to its exceptional quality of light and inspiring coastal views, which have attracted artists for centuries. Additionally, the town is home to a diverse array of art galleries and artist-run spaces, exhibiting original work from both established and emerging artists.

What kind of art can I find in St Ives galleries?

You can find a wide variety of art in St Ives galleries, including contemporary art, paintings, ceramics, and sculptures, often reflecting the beauty of Cornwall's landscapes and seascapes.

What is the legacy of Barbara Hepworth in St Ives?

Barbara Hepworth's legacy in St Ives is profound, as her organic sculptures can be seen at the Barbara Hepworth Museum and Sculpture Garden, influenced by the coastal scenery.

Are there opportunities to learn art in St Ives?

Yes, there are art learning opportunities in St Ives, such as courses at the St Ives School of Painting with tutors such as John Dyer and educational programs at Tate St Ives. 

Can I buy St Ives art online?

Yes, you can buy St Ives art online to enhance your living space with the beauty of this coastal town from JohnDyerGallery.com