Cornwall LivingIssue #86
Love art?
Far more than just a gallery, we discover what The Customs House Gallery has to offer art enthusiasts over the course of 2019.
Having taken over the Customs House Gallery on the harbourside in Porthleven more than six years ago, Louise and John Winterton are looking forward to a fantastic year ahead, with a superb line up of exhibitions and a continued focus on their fresh and innovative display of creativity.
“it has a welcoming, sophisticated feel, with many pieces of Porthleven’s stunning surrounding scenery captured in its exhibitions”
Louise and her family have a deep connection to Porthleven and have called the village home for generations, with her great great grandmother, Elizabeth, residing in the cottages right next door to what is now The Customs House Gallery.
This independently owned and run space is a haven for art lovers and it continues to evolve, with a constant flow of new pieces from well-established gallery artists, as well as those from new additions to the gallery. Inside, it has a welcoming, sophisticated feel, with many pieces of Porthleven’s stunning surrounding scenery captured in its exhibitions.
The gallery is also a member of the Own Art scheme – a popular means of affording original work, usually from local artists. The scheme, which is a national initiative supported and funded by Arts Council England, allows you to spread the cost of your favourite original piece over ten months, with an interest-free loan of up to £2,500.
And that’s not all! They understand that enjoying your favourite piece of art isn’t quite as simple as buying it and placing it on the wall. For this reason, they offer a bespoke framing service, which keeps them busy with locals and visitors alike and is just another reason why this fabulous Porthleven gallery attracts more local artists every year.
So, what does The Customs House Gallery have lined up for 2019? Well, John and Louise don’t just run exhibitions; with each exhibiting artist, visitors are able to meet the artist during their exhibition as they paint in the gallery, to discuss their work, techniques and learn what inspires them.
From 7th until 13th June, David Gray will be the gallery’s guest artist, showcasing his acrylic paintings of Porthleven harbour.
Then, between Friday 21st and Thursday 27th June, you’ll find David Hosking exhibiting. Inspired by sources he describes as “many and varied,” David’s work has attracted a wide international following and his work can be found in collections across the globe.
From Friday 26th July until Thursday 1st August, visitors can see the exhibition of Roger Curtis. Firmly rooted in the landscape, Roger’s home in Newlyn provides the ideal base for his paintings of the far south west of Cornwall, which always begin, and are usually completed, ‘en plein air’.
Between 23rd and 29th August, Rebecca Jewell will be displaying her passion for botanical art, with a mesmerising display of intricately detailed pieces. Working from photographs, it is often remarked that you can almost smell the scent of the flowers she captures, as if you could reach in and touch them.
Rebecca shares her studio with husband, Simon Jewell, who will be exhibiting at The Customs House Gallery afterwards, between Friday 20th and Thursday 26th September. A painter and photographer, Simon mostly paints in oils and acrylic, primarily capturing the Cornish land and coastline of the Lizard peninsula – the untamed and ethereal beauty of the landscape.
Displaying a stunning array of paintings, sculptures, jewellery and beautiful ceramics and with such a diverse line up of exhibiting artists, as well as the opportunity to meet these incredibly talented creatives, if you’re an art enthusiast, a visit to The Customs House Gallery in Porthleven is a must this year!
Customs House Gallery
01326 569365
"it has a welcoming, sophisticated feel, with many pieces of Porthleven’s stunning surrounding scenery captured in its exhibitions"
