A hugely enjoyable and brilliant Art trip for the 4^th Form to St Ives...

On Saturday 4^th June, 23 pupils and 3 members of staff made the annual pilgrimage down to St Ives to experience the eclectic mix of art, local culture and the sea. With a tail wind behind us, we pulled into St Ives around lunchtime, and with our group being so large we split into two. One group visiting the Barbara Hepworth Garden and Museum, and the other, Tate St Ives. We were lucky enough to have a guided tour and workshop at the Barbara Hepworth which got the ball rolling. Pupils learnt all about the artist, her life and the many techniques and processes that she used. The garden itself is a place of serene tranquillity in a busy town, and thankfully, the venue remains largely untouched since she died. The pupils were encouraged to respond to the work, both practically and verbally, they came away with some useful starting points for their current thematic project. 

A little way down the hill the other group, closer to the sea, were at the impressive home of Tate St Ives. The recently refurbished gallery space allowed for a larger exhibition and some super work. The variety on show included plenty from the St Ives group, such as Peter Lanyon and Alfred Wallis, plus some more international names like Piet Mondrian and a larger space for Ad Minolitti and her surreal space-scapes. 

After all the travel and both gallery visits, it was time for the beach, so the pupils hired wetsuits and boards and headed on to Porthmeor beach to relax in the waves at the end of the day. There was plenty of laughs as they enjoyed the weather and time together. That evening, after dinner, we headed back to the beach for a twilight game of rounders which was the perfect way to finish the day off.  

On Sunday morning, we were lucky enough to get a guided tour around the beautiful Tremenheere Sculpture Gardens, by the owner Neil. He explained in depth all the sculptural pieces, the artists associated with them and the stories behind them. The tour was fascinating as he shared his love of plants, sculpture and space with us. The pupils were captivated by his delivery and knowledge, and it was interesting to find out that he is in partnership with The Newt in Bruton. A highlight of the gardens was the camera obscura and the serene skyspace. 

That afternoon we headed to Marazion beach, overlooking St Michael’s Mount, to have a silversmithing workshop run by our very own Naomi Warren. The pupils all created beautiful sea glass, silver necklaces on the golden sands of Cornwall with the most incredible backdrop. Although the Mount was closed, we were able to walk along the sea path as the tide was out and see the beautiful estate. 

After a wonderful meal in St Ives, we headed to the cinema to watch Maverick, which was a welcome way to finish the day. A film for everyone, it didn’t disappoint. ‘Don’t think just do’ a quote from the film, ended up being the mantra for the rest of the trip. 

Monday morning was an early start, as we headed up to the Leach Pottery for a guided tour of the museum and studios, followed by a workshop run by one of their potters, the most excellent and fun, Dottie. Pupils all had the chance to create a pinch pot and then have a go at throwing on the wheel. It was a lot of fun and the Leach staff were brilliant with the pupils. We then headed back to Penzance to take in the work of Walter Langley and the Newlyn Art Group at the Penlee House Gallery and Museum. Langley’s masterful watercolour paintings left us all in awe and his oil work was equally impressive. We love going to one of the homes of British Impressionism and experiencing the breathtaking work. 

In the afternoon, the pupils visited artist, Rachael Kantaris, at Porthmeor Print Studios in St Ives, and learnt all about Collagraph printing. They took inspiration from the exhibitions and their personal themes to prepare their printing plates for the next day. Rachel has years of experience and had worked with some of the St Ives School of Painting.  

That evening we feasted at the Waterside Meadery for an authentic Anglo-Saxon experience, without the mead of course, before heading off to the Minack Theatre for Jane Eyre. The setting is unmatched, and the staff and pupils were in agreement that it must be one of the most beautiful outdoor theatres in the world. Sadly, this year the weather was not on our side and it rained throughout the performance. The production however, was brilliant and the actors put on a wonderful play.  

On Tuesday, we headed back to Porthmeor Print Studios and the pupils created the most wonderful prints. They all came away with something that will be used towards their coursework. Those who weren’t printing had the opportunity to wander through the streets of St Ives and visit the numerous galleries on offer. By late afternoon, it was time to leave and head back to Bruton. I would love to say that the bus was quiet, but far from it. The pupils were in fine spirits and appreciated that they had had a wonderful time away. Thanks must go to Miss Ling and Mrs Warren for all their help, and for the pupils for being such good company and so well behaved. We have booked in for next year already!  

Seamus Harkness - Head of Art

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