Penwith Gallery
- Overview
- More Info
Penwith Gallery is the home of the Penwith Society of Arts.
The art gallery, formerly a pilchard packing factory, has a remarkable complex of buildings, including three public galleries, Porthmeor Printmakers Workshop, ten artists’ studios, a sculpture courtyard, shop and archive. This allows for an exciting programme of both contemporary and historical exhibitions year round.
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). This association with so many progressive and influential artists has given the Penwith Society a unique place in British art history.
Today the Society continues to play a central role in the thriving and vibrant St. Ives art community, exhibiting contemporary art from Cornwall and beyond.
Shop
The Gallery has a fabulous gift shop selling books, jewellery, ornaments and much much more
All paintings within the Gallery are for sale and can be delivered by specially arranged couriers
Opening Times
Monday to Saturday 10am – 5pm
Getting Here
On foot: The gallery is within walking distance of St Ives town centre and Porthmeor Beach, a few minutes from Tate St Ives.
By train: A frequent rail service operates between London Paddington and St Ives via Reading, Exeter, Plymouth, Bodmin, Truro, St Erth and Penzance. A local train service operates from St Erth to St Ives.
By coach: There are daily National Express coach services from Victoria Coach Station, London. These services travel via Heathrow, Plymouth, Liskeard, St Austell, Truro, Redruth, Camborne, St Ives and Penzance – stopping at most small towns en route.
By bus: There are regular local bus services to and from St Ives. Traveline – local public transport information
By car: St Ives is a 15–20 minute drive from the A30. Parking can be difficult especially in peak season, so please plan ahead and consider using the park and ride or shuttle bus services below. The gallery does not have car parking.
Shuttle bus: A shuttle bus service runs throughout the year between the Trenwith Coach and Car Park and the town centre, which is a five minute walk from Tate St Ives. Call St Ives Tourist Information on +44 (0)1736 796297 for details.
Park and Ride service (peak season): A park and ride service operates from St Erth train station, offering a scenic 10 minute journey into St Ives on the St Ives bay line. Visit National Rail Enquiries for more information.
Accessibility
Enter and exit the gallery via the Main Entrance. The gallery has a gentle slope down to the main door and a small step down into the gallery. Within the gallery there are a few small steps taking you from the Members Gallery to the Shop and New Gallery; a wheelchair ramp is available on request for all steps.
The entire gallery is wheelchair-accessible with the use of the ramp, with the exception of our small sculpture courtyard which has sliding glass doors with a small lip. These are situated just to the left of the front door and the entire space can be clearly seen from inside the gallery. Benches are also situated in the sculpture courtyard.
Walkways are large and obstacle-free throughout and the floor area is spacious with a clear route around all public spaces. The information desk is situated just inside the Members Gallery, a few metres from the front door. Staff here are happy to answer any queries regarding accessibility, the building in general and the artworks. Lighting is bright throughout all gallery spaces, and seating is available throughout.
All artwork within the Penwith is generally visual art only, with no loud noises, flashing lights, smoke effects, strobe lighting etc. All artwork is clearly labelled and staff are happy to assist with any information you may need.
We welcome all well-behaved dogs in the gallery spaces on a lead, and a drinking bowl is available.
