Art of the coast

Introducing a wonderful selection of artwork on display in Charlestown’s Atishoo Gallery.

Atishoo Gallery is located in the historic village of Charlestown on Cornwall’s south coast. Just up the hill from the harbour, the gallery can be found in a beautiful courtyard of cottage gardens opposite the old Methodist Chapel. As well as fabulous art, there’s also a fantastic selection of home accessories and giftware, all designed and made in the UK.

“make sure to tie in an amble around the picturesque port of Charlestown with a visit to this beautiful gallery, and discover the talents of these innovative artists.”

We take a closer look at some of the artists whose work is featured in the gallery. Artwork by David Axtell and Kit Johns sits alongside glassware by Margaret Johnson and jewellery by Julie Fountain. Painter David Axtell captures life on Cornwall’s beaches in his stunning oil paintings depicting family scenes and ocean moments. David has been an illustrator for over 15 years and in that time has worked for a variety of publishers including: Random House, Harper Collins and Macmillan. Also a painter, Kit Johns brings a fresh and contemporary twist to Cornish landscape art from his studio on The Lizard. His work explores the wild and untamed nature of Cornwall’s landscape, using a variety of techniques and mediums such as canvas, paper and wood.

Designer Margaret Johnson uses an extraordinary technique involving straw silk fibres to create her beautiful glass bowls, vases and wall art. Each is delicately finished with precious metal leaf. Having studied fine art and sculpture and taught for a number of years, she now works from her studio in Bude. Similarly, Julie Fountain, founder of Beach Art Glass, creates stunning and unique jewellery inspired by the ocean. Her delicate glass beads are made using a flamework technique, where colourful Italian glass rods are melted down and then shaped in flames to produce intricate and beautiful jewellery.

Owners Liz and Paul showcase a wonderful array of artwork in their colourful and inviting gallery. The artists before mentioned are just a small excerpt from the medley of creators and makers whose work is on display. So, make sure to tie in an amble around the picturesque port of Charlestown with a visit to this beautiful gallery, and discover the talents of these innovative artists.