St Ives is home to some of the best galleries in the UK – from renowned institutions like Tate St Ives and Barbara Hepworth Sculpture Garden, to famous names in the story of St Ives modernism such as Penwith Studios and St Ives Society of Artists. And it’s no surprise that the town is home to a plethora of private galleries showcasing the best of historic and contemporary St Ives, Cornish, and British art.
Whether you’re an avid gallery-goer, an art collector, or simply want to soak up St Ives’ unique contribution to the international arts scene, a visit to a gallery or two is an unmissable experience on any holiday in St Ives. Here’s our round-up of the best private art galleries in St Ives to pop into during your stay in one of our gorgeous St Ives properties.
Milieu Studios
You’ll find this beautiful gallery on the harbour front in a historic building with large windows overlooking the sea. Founded by artist Caroline Robinson in 2023, the space is lovingly curated to showcase pieces in an interior rather than a gallery setting.
As well as seasonal exhibitions, Mileau Studios also host classes and workshops, artist talks, and even super club experiences with Jeffrey Robinson of St Ives Cookery School.
Top Tip: Stay at Red Sails, with its designer interiors and curated selection of local art.
Porthminster Gallery
Located on bustling Fore Street, Porthminster Gallery shows work by many well-known St Ives, Cornish and British artists from the post-war period to the present day.
Any art lover will be in their element here, with work by the likes of Wilhelmina Barns Graham, Roger Hilton, Sandra Blow and Terry Frost, plus lots of emerging talent to discover. Curated exhibitions take place several times a year.
Top Tip: Stay at Bay View House, an artsy townhouse with its own children’s art studio.
Anima Mundi
Well-regarded on the national art scene, Anima Mundi shows powerful and provocative contemporary art in former Christian Science reading rooms on Street-an-Pol.
The museum-quality art shown here is always refreshing and pushes the boundaries in new, exciting, and unexpected directions. If you want to be stirring out of a holiday lethargy, visit here!
Top Tip: Stay at Guillemot Cottage, former home of artist Terry Frost.
New Craftsman
The New Craftsman is a stalwart of the St Ives gallery scene. Founded in the 1960s by potter Janet Leach, it has seamlessly evolved with the times and continues to support emerging painters, potters, sculptors and fine-art jewellers to this day.
The friendly and knowledgeable team always offer a warm welcome, and are happy to answer any questions you might have.
Top Tip: Stay at The Town House if you love an elegant aesthetic.
St Ives Ceramics
Another well-established St Ives gallery, this time specialising in a wide range of ceramics, you can find St Ives Ceramics on Fish Street near the harbour.
Established in 1990, the selection is curated with a huge amount of knowledge and passion, and features contemporary ceramicists as well as museum quality ceramics by master potters including Leach Pottery founders Bernard Leach and Shōji Hamada.
Top Tip: Stay at The Count House, which previously belonged to Bernard Leach and boasts original Leach tiles.
For more ways to experience the art of St Ives, click here.