The Artistic Allure of Cornwall
Ben Nicholson // June 7-49 (Still Life with Cornish Landscape)
Cornwall's rugged coastline, unique light, and vibrant artistic communities have long drawn creative minds to its shores. As reported by The Cornish Bird, the 20th century saw Cornwall emerge as a significant hub for artists, fostering creativity and innovation across various artistic movements. From the realist Newlyn School to the modernist St Ives School, Cornwall's landscapes and atmosphere have inspired generations of painters, sculptors, and other creatives, cementing its place in British art history.
Cornwall's Inspiring Landscape
The dramatic coastal scenery and rugged landscapes of Cornwall have been a wellspring of inspiration for artists since the early 19th century. J.M.W. Turner, who visited in 1811, described Cornwall as Britain's answer to the Mediterranean, drawing attention to its unique qualities. The county's peninsular position jutting into the Atlantic Ocean offers a variety of breathtaking vistas, from windswept moors to secluded coves.
Artists are particularly drawn to the quality of light in Cornwall, especially in areas like St Ives, where the crystal clarity enhances the natural beauty of the surroundings. This distinctive light, coupled with the serene and often mystical atmosphere, provides an ideal setting for artistic exploration and expression.
JMW Turner // Launceston, Cornwall // Watercolour
Newlyn & St Ives Schools
Two significant artistic movements emerged in Cornwall during the late 19th and early 20th centuries: the Newlyn School and the St Ives School. The Newlyn School, established in the 1880s, focused on capturing the everyday life of the fishing community in Newlyn, utilising the natural light to create realistic and emotive works.
Key figures included Stanhope Forbes and Walter Langley. The St Ives School gained prominence in the mid-20th century, attracting abstract and modernist artists like Barbara Hepworth and Ben Nicholson. This movement became synonymous with British Modernism, with its members experimenting with form and abstraction, further solidifying Cornwall's reputation as a hub for artistic innovation.
Walter Langley // Departure of the Fleet
20th Century Artists in Cornwall
The 20th century saw a remarkable influx of artists to Cornwall, each leaving their unique mark on the county's artistic legacy. J.M.W. Turner, though primarily a 19th-century artist, set a precedent for artists being drawn to Cornwall's landscapes. Notable figures included:
Alfred Wallis: A self-taught artist known for his naïve paintings of ships and seascapes
Dame Barbara Hepworth: Renowned for her abstract sculptures that often incorporated the Cornish landscape
Ben Nicholson: A pioneer of abstract art in Britain who lived and worked in St Ives
Patrick Heron: An abstract painter and art critic who drew inspiration from the Cornish light and landscape
Terry Frost: Known for his abstract compositions inspired by the harbour at St Ives
These artists, among others, found in Cornwall a place where they could innovate and push the boundaries of their art, contributing significantly to the county's reputation as a centre for artistic excellence.
Terry Frost // Boat // 1950
Cornwall's Bohemian Community
The bohemian ethos and strong sense of community in Cornwall have been key factors in attracting artists to the region. Towns like St Ives and Newlyn foster collaboration and exchange of ideas, creating a vibrant cultural scene. This supportive environment, combined with the area's natural beauty and cheaper living costs, has made Cornwall an ideal place for artists to live and work.
The artistic community thrived particularly in the early 20th century, with the formation of art schools and movements that emphasized the pure setting and natural light. This creative atmosphere continues to draw artists today, maintaining Cornwall's status as a hub for artistic innovation and experimentation.
Barbra Hepworth // Two Forms Divided Circle // 1966