St Ives - Artist's Heritage

Growing up with St Ives as part of my childhood; Porthmeor beach, visiting the Tate - its deeply embedded artistic heritage has definitely shaped some of my creativity, pursuing art school, yet maintaining a love of the coast.

This little seaside town, is known especially for the mid-twentieth century and its hub for modern art.

Porthmeor Studios is one these hubs were the artist worked - overlooking my childhood beach - an old timber clad fishery, now Grade II* listed, is one of the most iconic artists studios in the country. It has hosted some of the most infamous British and international artists, whose works are now exhibited across the Road in the Tate. The light quality and views in this space are unrivalled.

The Tate St Ives, over looking Porthmeor Beach, was built between 1988 and 1993 on the site of an old gasworks. It showcases international artists but has a focus on the modern British artists who have links to St Ives and the local area.

Barbara Hepworth is one of the most notable artists to have spent time in this seaside town, alongside artists such as Ben Nicholson (her husband) and Patrick Heron, she was part of a colony of Artists who located to St Ives during the Second World War. Following the decline of its key industries of fishing and mining industries it had many abandoned warehouses, which became the pull for many artists.

Leech Pottery founded in 1920 by Bernard Leach and Shoji Hamada, was also born in St Ives. Previously an old cow and tin-ore shed, it was transformed into a Pottery and Cottage. Bernard Leech has been named the father of British studio pottery.

Studio pottery is interesting as it is can be more like stand alone beautiful artefacts than pottery produced for functionality and on large productions. It is made as unique items, or short runs and all stages of the production are made by the artist.