Arts and crafts in Cornwall

Cornwall (including Isles of Scilly) is in the South West of England. It has a population of around 534,000 and covers approximately 356,000 hectares. Here is a list of nearby or neighbouring counties: Devon.

Cornwall is bordered to the south by the English Channel, to the north and west by the Celtic Sea and to the east by Devon. The Isles Of Scilly are to the southwest of Lands End and have an economy based on tourism and agriculture. The only city in Cornwall is Truro, which is also the counties administrative centre. After the decline of tin and copper mining, the extraction of china clay grew in importance for the local economy, which also depends upon agriculture and tourism. Since the twentieth century tourists have been increasingly appreciative of the mild climate, beautiful coastline, beaches, picturesque fishing villages and seaside towns such as Newquay. Performing arts venues in Cornwall include the Minack Theatre in Penzance, Sterts Arts Centre in Liskeard and the BoatHouse Theatre in St Ives.

The quality of the light and the inspiring scenery have for many years attracted artists to Cornwall. From the late nineteenth century to the early twentieth century, the Newlyn School attracted artists, such as Walter Langley, Lamorna Birch, Frederick Hall, Stanhope and Elizabeth Forbes, Norman Garstin and Alfred Munnings. Writers such as Virginia Woolf and D. H. Lawrence visited the art colony and another visitor, the artist Ben Nicholson later moved to Cornwall, living with his wife the sculptor Barbara Hepworth in St Ives. During the twentieth century other artists moved there, such as Patrick Heron, Roger Hilton and Peter Lanyon and Slade School of Art educated potter Bernard Leach, considered to be the Father of British studio pottery. Examples of the work they created can be seen by visitors to the Tate St Ives, which opened in 1993, to exhibit the works of modern British artists. Other attractions in Cornwall include the Barbara Hepworth Museum and Sculpture Garden in St Ives, Lanhydrock House and Garden in Bodmin, Truro Cathedral, the ruins of Tintagel Castle and Penlee House Gallery and Museum in Penzance.