St Ives Visual and Performing Arts

A Quality of Light
It is no accident that St Ives is one of the few places in Britain to
have its own school of painting.  In the late 19th century the town
came to be popular with a group of well-known artists such as
Whistler who loved the purity of the light and the warmth
of the climate.  Following them were artists whose names
constitute a roll call of British art in the 20th century.
The primitive painter Alfred Wallace, the potter Bernard Leach, the
 sculptor Barbara Hepworth and painters such as Patrick Herron.

The Tate
With a changing series of exhibitions throughout the year the Tate Gallery and Barbara Hepworth Gardens are a must for visitors to St Ives.

Guests staying with St Ives Holidays are given a voucher entitling them to 50% Discount on entry to The Tate, St Ives (Gallery and Garden).

Exhibitions for 2013 include a exhibitions of the work of William Scott and contemporary photographer Peter Fraser

Tate, St Ives website

The School of Painting
Since its creation in 1938 the St Ives school of painting has run courses for artists of all levels in its historic buildings.

For those interested in learning, why not visit the St Ives School of Painting website.

The Leach Pottery
Founded in 1920 by Bernard Leach and Shoji Hamada the Leach Pottery is probably the most famous and certainly most influential studio/pottery in the world.
The Leach Pottery is open to visitors seven days a week in the summer, and during August and September is offering guided tours of the old pottery museum and archive exhibition, at no extra cost, each weekday at 11am.
From November the Winter opening times are 10am - 4pm Tuesdays to Saturdays only. Last admission to the museum 3.30pm. From early January until February half term the three showrooms and shop are open. The museum is open by appointment. For extra opening times around Christmas please contact the pottery.
For details please ring (01736) 799703, or visit www.leachpottery.com

Galleries
Many excellent artists still live and work in the town drawn by it's famed Quality of Light, and it now boasts a wide range of galleries including the famous St Ives Tate which hosts ever changing exhibitions of contemporary art, and the many smaller galleries which are home to the thriving population of artists.

Theatre
St Ives is home to KidzRUs one of the most respected youth theatres in the country with shows on throughout the year.

For details of shows see www.kidzrus.net

The Arts Club, Westcott's Quay, St Ives

Live Music
From jazz club to the pubs and clubs St Ives has a diverse and vibrant live music scene throughout the year.

See Jazz Club

So why not come to St Ives and indulge yourself because, don’t forget,
the young artist of today could become the great artist of the future.