profiles

Since the end of the 19th century, the art colonies of Newlyn and St Ives in West Cornwall have provided a focus for art-making in the region. Ben Nicholson, Barbara Hepworth and Naum Gabo moved to St Ives at the start of WW2, and their presence, together with that of Bernard Leach, helped the town become known across the world for both abstract art and studio pottery.

These four senior figures, through their teaching and inspiration, introduced radical ideas and influences from around the world to an extended generation of younger artists and craftspeople that included Peter Lanyon, John Wells, Terry Frost, Patrick Heron and Michael Cardew. For 20 or more years St Ives and surrounding areas, were at the forefront of artistic developments in the UK.

The 'profiles' section contains biographies of individuals that contributed to this story.