Penwith Gallery is the home of the Penwith Society of Arts.
The art gallery, formerly a pilchard packing factory, has a remarkable complex of buildings, including three public galleries, Porthmeor Printmakers Workshop, ten artists’ studios, a sculpture courtyard, shop and archive. This allows for an exciting programme of both contemporary and historical exhibitions year round.
The Society was founded in 1949 by Barbara Hepworth, Ben Nicholson, Peter Lanyon, Bernard Leach, Sven Berlin and Wilhelmina Barns-Graham, amongst others. Later members have 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.
Today the Society continues to play a central role in the thriving and vibrant St. Ives art community, exhibiting contemporary art from Cornwall and beyond.
