Arts and crafts in Devon
(including East Devon, Exeter, Mid Devon, North Devon, Plymouth, South Hams Teignbridge,Torbay, Torridge and West Devon) is in the South West of England. It has a population of around 1,134,000 and covers approximately 670,000 hectares. Here is a list of nearby or neighbouring counties: Cornwall, Dorset, Somerset
Devon is the only English county to have two separate coastlines, both of which are made up of high cliffs and sandy shores. Visitors are drawn to the county by attractions such as the Jurassic Coast and Exmoor and Dartmoor national parks. Popular tourist destinations are its ports and seaside resorts such as Torbay, whose sandy beaches and mild climate have led to it being called the English Riviera. The county town is the city of Exeter and another important city in the county is Plymouth, from where the Pilgrim Fathers set sail to establish an English colony in the now United States of America and where legend has it that Sir Francis Drake finished a game of bowls before engaging the Spanish Armada. The work of artist Beryl Cook portrayed life Plymouth and born in Plympton, the 18th century portrait painter Joshua Reynolds became the first President of the Royal Academy. Performing arts venues in Devon include the Babbacombe Theatre in Torquay, The Flavel Arts Centre in Dartmouth, The Bike Shed Theatre in Exeter, Theatre Royal Plymouth and The Plough Arts Centre in Great Torrington.
The Royal Albert Memorial Museum in Exeter houses exhibits of local historic interest as well as collections of textiles, natural history and art, including works by Joshua Reynolds, Thomas Gainsborough, Barbara Hepworth and John Nash. The Burton Art Gallery and Museum in Bideford houses a wide range of exhibits, including paintings, photography, ceramics, furniture, coins and silverware, along with items reflecting the regions social history. Saltram House is a Georgian mansion built near Plymouth during the 18th century. The house is set among extensive parkland and its interiors were designed by the architect Robert Adam. The rooms retain many of their original furnishings, along with original plasterwork and collections of ceramics and paintings. Other attractions in Devon include Plymouth City Museum and Art Gallery, Chambercombe Manor in Ilfracombe, Exeter Cathedral, Ilfracombe Museum, Dingles Fairground Heritage Centre in Lifton and Tiverton Museum of Mid Devon Life.
