Three galleries

In no order, other than alphabetical:

Morvah School House
The setting was a delight. On the edge of the atlantic coast, surrounded by wind swept trees the School House is in an old converted chapel and acts as both gallery and local community centre. (Judging by an overheard conversation the mobile librarian came in while we were there, to catch up and to get some hot water for his mid- morning drink!) Profits from the gallery go back into the Morvah Community. The gallery displays mainly locally made crafts in the downstairs area which also acts as a tea room. It was very hard to focus on my home made cake and coffee with so many lovely pieces to look at. The upstairs space is given over to changing exhibitions see - www.morvah.com/coming%20exhib.htm for the next exhibitions.

There were some textiles pieces on display when we visited which made a change as, in spite of the number of galleries I visited, I saw few textiles on display. Another feature of this gallery is their 'loo' gallery where artists can hang their work for a month at a time, free of charge!


Sally MacCabe

Sally has a gallery in St. Ives in which she displays her own work. The gallery overlooks Porthminster Beach and this obviously influences her artwork.

Sally is not just a painter, she told me that she began working in textiles and quickly developed a love for mixed media before deciding to focus on her painting. When she has time she also makes jewellery influenced by the colours of St. Ives. All these different styles of work are on view in her gallery as well as glimpses of work in progress and some of Sally's sketchbooks.

Yew Tree Gallery

The Yew Tree Gallery is owned by Gilly Wyatt-Smith who has created the gallery in an old farmhouse, surrounded by a small sculpture garden and pottager which we were invited to look round. This is a very different gallery from the previous two, it contains work by internationally known artists as well local makers, all displayed in a spacious setting in very good light. Gilly was around but didn't hover, giving us time to take a good look at the work on display. I'd noted the gallery as one to visit because it was displaying work by John Maltby who I have admired on-line. It was a relief that his work seemed even better in the flesh and, had we the right space to display his work, a piece may have come home with us.

 Figures in a small boat  John Maltby

We also admired the work of jeweller Guy Royle and tapestry weaver Kirsten Glasbrook whose use of colour was amazing.  Further details about this and both previous and upcoming exhibitions can be found here www.yewtreegallery.com