Art Galleries St Ives Cornwall

Discover The Art Galleries In St Ives

St Ives town is full of amazing little art galleries. They range from the really big well known ones, such as the Tate and Leach Pottery, to small collectives producing incredibly varied and amazing works of original art.

My list of art galleries isn’t complete. I’ve added the ones I know well – if there are any that aren’t on the list that you would like added, send me a message. I will be happy to check them out!

1. Porthmeor Studios

LOCATION MAP: Back Rd W, Saint Ives TR26 1NL

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Around 1885 artists started to come to St Ives. They began using Porthmeor net lofts, providing extra income for the fishermen out of season. They later moved into purpose build studios and by 1900 there were around a dozen artists studios there.

The building itself is grade II listed, and is constructed of a mix of stone, concrete and timber frame with a wet-laid slate roof. The Atlantic weather took its toll on the building though and a recent £4million renovation has breathed new life into the building.

Artists who have worked here include Julius Olsson, Frances Hodgkins, Ben Nicholson, Patrick Heron, Francis Bacon and Wilhelmina Barns-Graham.

The recent renovations increased the studios to 19, 15 of which are used by artists, 2 for the St Ives School Of Painting, and 2 for the trust.

Many events and exhibitions are run here, including art classes, installations, and the really interesting old net lofts which show how the fishing industry and artists worked side by side.

Porthmeor Studios Art Galleries St Ives Cornwall


2. St Ives Society Of Artists

LOCATION MAP: Norway Square, Saint Ives TR26 1NA

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Located in The Mariners’ Church, the St Ives Society Of Artists is a wonderful gallery to browse and shop. It features works chosen by guest curators and invited exhibitions, that are a diverse mix of contemporary visual art.

St Ives Society Of Artists Galleries Cornwall


3. Penwith Gallery

LOCATION MAP: Back Rd E, Saint Ives TR26 1NL

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The Penwith Art Gallery is located in an old pilchard packing factory on Back Road West in St Ives. It is the home of the Penwith Society Of Arts In Cornwall. The society was founded in 1949 by Barbara Hepworth, Ben Nicholson, Peter Lanyon, Bernard Leach, Sven Berlin and Wilhelmina Barns– Graham, amongst others. Later members have included Patrick Heron, Terry Frost and Henry Moore (honorary member).

The gallery includes 3 public galleries, a sculpture area, artist studios and an archive.

Penwith Gallery Art St Ives Cornwall


4. Art Space Gallery

LOCATION MAP: The Wharf, Saint Ives TR26 1PU

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Art Space Gallery is one of my favourite galleries. It is a collective of seven artists, each producing beautiful but affordable art. It is located right on the harbour, overlooking the beach.

Art Space Gallery St Ives Cornwall


5. Gallery 38

LOCATION MAP: 38 The Wharf, Saint Ives TR26 1PG

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Gallery 38 is a small, independent gallery in St Ives harbour, with a unique collection of work by British artists and makers. This includes glass, ceramics and art works.

Gallery 38 Art St Ives Cornwall


6. Harbour Galleries

LOCATION MAP: Wharf Road St Ives, TR26 1HG

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Harbour Galleries is right on Wharf Road overlooking the harbour. It is an arcade of 7 shops run by local artists and craftspeople. There is lots of work for sale displayed on the walls, and you can watch the artists work in their studios.


7. Livingstone Gallery

LOCATION MAP: Westcotts Quay, Saint Ives TR26 2DY

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The Livingstone Gallery sits right on the seafront on Lambeth Walk, getting its fair share of rough seas in the Winter. It exhibits contemporary and modern art associated with St. Ives, its artistic heritage, & future direction.

Livingstone Art Gallery St Ives Cornwall


8. Whites Old Workshops

LOCATION MAP: Porthmeor Rd, Saint Ives TR26 1NP

Whites Old Workshops is a really interesting collective of artists who run their studios in the workshops on Back Road. It is fascinating to pop in and see them at work.


9. Blue Bramble Gallery

LOCATION MAP: 1, Market House, Market Pl, Saint Ives TR26 1RZ

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Blue Bramble is full of amazing & uniuqe Arts and Craft, some of it quirky and some more traditional. It is in the round house in Market Place in St Ives.

Blue Bramble Gallery St Ives Cornwall


10. Leach Pottery

LOCATION MAP: Higher Stennack, Saint Ives TR26 2HE

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The Leach Pottery was founded in 1920 by Bernard Leach and Shoji Hamada. It is one of the most respected and influential potteries in the world.

The pottery sits on the main road out of St Ives and has a pottery, museum, shop and runs courses.

Leach Pottery Art Galleries St Ives Cornwall


11. Tate St Ives

LOCATION MAP: Porthmeor Beach, Saint Ives TR26 1TG

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The Tate St Ives is a contemporary art gallery which is a super place to visit. It sits overlooking Porthmeor Beach in the old gas works building. It has lots of modern art, holds exhibitions, talks and events.

In the school holidays there are art sessions for the children which are brilliant. The Tate  also has a lovely shop and a cafe with fab incredible views!

Tate St Ives Art Galleries St Ives Cornwall


12. Barbara Hepworth Museum & Sculpture Garden

LOCATION MAP: Barnoon Hill, Saint Ives TR26 1AD

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Barbara Hepworth was an abstract sculptor, born in Wakefield in 1903. She studied at Leeds School Of Art with Henry Moore and moved to St Ives in 1939.

Her works are made from bronze, stone, clay and wood and they reflect nature and landscapes. Barbara said her work was a way of ‘holding a beautiful thought’.

The museum and sculpture garden is a wonderful and unique place to visit.

Barbara Hepworth Art Galleries St Ives Cornwall



Which is your favourite art gallery in St Ives? Have I not included your favourite? Let me know and I will add it to the list!


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