A haven of colour

With Christmas just around the corner, what better time to visit Charlestown and the Aladdinís cave that is Atishoo Gallery?

Find Atishoo Gallery in the historic village of Charlestown, hidden away in a pretty courtyard opposite the old Charlestown Chapel. It’s well worth the short walk up the hill from the harbour to see the lovely and vibrant collection of original art, ceramics, glassware, jewellery and prints that are packed into this little gallery and giftshop.

“There are so many incredibly talented artists and designers”

The gallery is run by artist couple, Liz Hackney and Paul Clark, who are passionate about supporting UK based artists, craftspeople and manufacturers. “There are so many incredibly talented artists and designers,” explains Liz, “many of whom are producing their work onto stationery and homewares, that we now have a fantastic collection of aprons, tea towels and melamine tableware, all made here in the UK.”

You’ll also find a beautiful selection of lampwork glass jewellery, made by award winning lampwork artist, Julie Fountain. Each bead is handmade in the flame, onto which tiny pieces of Murano glass are melted, before the addition of pure silver droplets to give the pieces an extra sparkle.

Other artists at the gallery include Kit Johns. Based on the Lizard peninsula, Kit paints everything from large canvasses of the wild Atlantic, to tiny original paintings on offcuts of timber which sell for less than £10 each – ideal for starting your art collection on a budget!

One addition to the gallery this year that has proven particularly popular is Louise Thorn’s wonderful range of ceramic boats. Between working at the Eden Project, Louise uses her spare time to make her quirky boats and seabirds, and if you look closely, you’ll see a little bird dropping from the cheeky seagull!

Atishoo Gallery will be open six days a week in the run up to Charlestown’s special Christmas Market weekends, at the end of November and the first weekend of December, when the Christmas lights will also be switched on. You’ll also find lots of specialist market stalls selling their wares. These, in addition to Atishoo Gallery, make a trip to Charlestown just the ticket for anyone who is yet to start their Christmas shop.

Discover More

For those unable to make it to the gallery, youíll find almost everything in the gallery and giftshop available online, at the click of a button. For a small extra charge, your items can be posted anywhere on the UK mainland.

Atishoo Gallery

01726 65900

www.atishoogallery.co.uk