Penwith Gallery
The Penwith Gallery has an exciting programme of both contemporary and historical exhibitions year round.
Some of us like to relax with a book when we’re on holiday – and others prefer to get stuck into learning a new craft or developing an existing skill. St Ives, with its artistic heritage, is an inspirational place – and many visitors to the town find themselves drawn into one of St Ives’ workshops. From the sublime to the delicious, here are our recommendations for exploring your talents in St Ives’ workshops.
St Ives School of Painting opened in April 1938 in the Porthmeor Studios
St Ives School of Painting, based at the historic Porthmeor Studios has been providing high quality art tuition since 1938.
Their huge range of courses, led by professional artists, are taught in small groups and aimed at a wide range of abilities, from complete beginners to experienced artists. You can choose your course based on medium, subject or tutor. Depending on the amount of time you have, you can join a half day or one day class throughout July, August and September or book a 3 or 4 day course at any time of the year to fully immerse yourself in the experience. There are also regular life drawing classes running every Thursday evening and Saturday morning.
For those not regularly in Cornwall, you can bring a bit St Ives magic into your home with their huge range of online art courses, available to watch on demand.
Botanicals Candle Making Workshops
Next time someone asks you “What’s that incredible smell from your candle?” you can reply, “It’s my own fragrance.”
Our bespoke service allows you to create your very own scented candle which you take home with you. Come with us on a journey of discovery and self-expression to find your very own scent that is as unique as you are.
Victoria will discuss with you your treasured memories and personal tastes, and she’ll then walk you through the range of notes and scent profiles that will enable your own unique scented profile to be created.
Once you have decided on your personal scent, this will be combined with the highest quality soy wax to create your own unique scented candle.
Your personal scent will be kept on file so that you can reorder and enjoy it again and again. To book your place call Victoria on 07496 660029 or use the link below. You can also message us on Instagram @bryluenbotanicals
Of course, food is also an art; and if you want to create something that isn’t a long-lasting memento but tastes divine, here’s a workshop with a difference. I Should Coco in St Ives is a delectable chocolate shop and workshop, which has been making Fore Street smell gorgeous since 2009.
They offer workshops for families, groups of children, and adults, which can be booked in advance online. You’ll learn lots about the art of the chocolatier, including moulding and dipping chocolate, and truffle making. The Junior Workshop is about getting as creative as possible, with all sorts of exciting ingredients and toppings to work with. And then you get to eat your creation – what’s not to like?
Leach Pottery Workshops
The Leach Pottery creative and engaging workshops for adults take inspiration from the ideas and techniques showcased throughout the history of Leach Pottery. Throwing Courses and workshops take place across the year in addition to seasonal opportunities with makers and insights into the exhibitions at the Leach Pottery.
Across 2024 – 2025 the Leach Pottery is undertaking capital building works to improve the site for future potters. Find out more here
During the building project, aspects of the Adult Learning programme will take place at the Newlyn School of Art. Courses will continue to offer supportive teaching sensitive to the Leach ethos in the beautiful equipped studio at Newlyn School of Art. The building is old and the entrance is via a set of granite steps with a steep gradient to a doorway too narrow for many wheelchairs. Entrance is possible via the back door but this is also extremely narrow.
