Artistic Inspiration in St Ives
Published: Monday 9th Mar 2020
Wandering the cobbled streets of St Ives between rows of whitewashed cottages and the infinite sea, you are retracing the steps of some of the world’s greatest artists. Turner, Nicholson, Hepworth, Leach and Lanyon are but some of the names to have been inspired by this wonderful seaside town, becoming irrevocably intertwined in its dramatic landscapes and changing the shape of British Modernism for generations to come.
Naturally, this is somewhere you should really see for yourself if you are a creative at heart. Famed world-over for its ethereal light that paints the sky in an everchanging palette of milky pinks, turquoise and indigo, it never fails to win over heart and mind. Whether you are an established artist or aspiring beginner, there is place for you within its paint-flecked throes to glean some inspiration of your own.
Workshops in St Ives
If you are planning your holiday, why not take a look at the workshops that are held a stone’s throw from our luxury cottages in St Ives? Inviting you to explore a variety of mediums, you can practice favourite techniques or try something completely new with your friends and family under the guidance of professional tutors.
To give you an idea, here are some of St Ives’ art workshops:
Barnoon Workshop
A dedicated art space in the heart of St Ives, Barnoon Workshop is surrounded by jaw-dropping scenery with views over Porthmeor Beach. An easy stroll from St Ives’ shops and galleries and many of our self-catering cottages, you can hop out of bed and look forward to a wide range of courses and activities suitable for small and large groups.
Knitweave
Why not try something a little different and practice your hand at textile art and craft workshops? A fantastic way to spend memorable hours with your favourite people and learning new skills, Knitweave’s range of courses cover all sorts of fun options, from knitting to papier-mâché.
Leach Pottery
Founded by Bernard Leach and Shoji Hamada in 1920, Leach Pottery is one of the most respected and influential potteries in the world. Welcoming generation after generation of potters, students and apprentices from across the globe, it is the perfect place to take inspiration from the best in the business.
St Ives Glass Art
A great way to explore your creativity during a well-deserved holiday in St Ives, St Ives Glass Art invites artists of all ages to try something new. Whether you are on holiday with your family or a group of friends, you can come together and create your own glass art designs – a wonderful gift to take home with you and remind you of happy memories together.
St Ives School of Painting
Nestled in St Ives’ historic artist quarter, St Ives School of Painting's renowned classes have spanned 80 years and been attended by world famous names like Peter Lanyon and Sir Terry Frost. Today, their artist-led short courses offer inspiration for all - from complete beginners to seasoned creatives - taught in spectacular and spacious studios on Porthmeor Beach.
Of course, should you wish to spend a few hours absorbing the creations of the country’s greatest talents, St Ives is positively overflowing with galleries and museums for you to visit. For your first port of call, head to the Tate St Ives, the iconic gallery overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, before venturing over to the Barbara Hepworth Museum and Sculpture Garden. Lose yourself in the Penwith Gallery, a former pilchard factory and now home of the Penwith Society of Arts in Cornwall, and later wend your way around the award-winning Porthminster Gallery which showcases both well-established and emerging British artists.
However you seek your inspiration here, it won’t be long before St Ives is well and truly under your skin. Take a peek at our holiday cottages in St Ives and look forward to a one-off artistic break that’ll soon become a yearly tradition!
