Penwith Gallery

Penwith Gallery is the home of Penwith Society of Arts. Formerly a pilchard-packing factory, it is a remarkable complex of buildings, including three public galleries, Porthmeor Printmakers Workshop, 10 artists’ studios, a sculpture courtyard, shop and archive. This allows for an exciting year-round programme of contemporary and historical exhibitions.

The Society was founded in 1949 by Barbara Hepworth, Ben Nicholson, Peter Lanyon, Bernard Leach, Sven Berlin, Wilhelmina Barns-Graham, and others. Later members 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.

The Society continues to play a central role in the thriving and vibrant St Ives art community, exhibiting contemporary art from Cornwall and beyond.