The Salthouse Gallery in St Ives is at first look an unprepossessing space for an art gallery. However, it is adaptable, easy to fill, well-lit and an inviting prospect to passers-by, located on a busy thoroughfare near to the centre of town. Rented out by the week, it hosts many individual artists and artist groups exhibiting throughout the year.
So after a sweltering 300 mile drive and a night in a Travelodge that felt like sleeping in a sauna, we arrived in St Ives on 24th July. Setting up with seven other artists was surprisingly straightforward and we were open to viewers that same day. We even had time for a swim in the afternoon… bone chillingly cold, but ultimately very cooling in the atypical Cornish heat!
We opened each day from 10am to 8pm up to 30th July, with a changeover for three stewarding shifts each day. Viewings and sales were steady over the week. It was great to hear so many positive comments about the quality and the overall standard of presentation of everyone’s work.
Any takings from sales soon disappeared on riotous meals out… one to celebrate Jeremy’s birthday (see previous post) and others just because were in St Ives. A special mention for “Spinacios”… the best vegetarian restaurant I have been to! Between stewarding stints in the gallery, there was plenty of time for swimming, walking the coast paths or browsing around the many amazing St Ives art galleries.
For next year we are already planning a return to the Salthouse with the possibility of a Raku session on the beach in collaboration with the Porthminster Gallery. I don’t think St Ives has seen the last of us!
