About St Ives
St Ives History.
After the demise of the tin mining industry - relics of which can still be seen today scattered around the countryside - Cornwall turned its attention to its beautiful and spectacular coastline. During the early part of the last century, many artists tried to capture the natural quality of light reflected from the beaches and granite cottages. The fishing industry has also left its reminders. Cornwall’s shoreline was once crammed with fishing boats and the beaches heaved under the strain of millions of pilchards, herring and mackerel.
St. Ives is unique in its history - still to be seen are the engine houses of its mines; the fishing boats sail in and out of the harbour; the fishermen’s granite cottages and tiny iced-fish stores - all vying for position amoungst narrow cobbled streets.
St Ives Geography.
Nestling into the meandering coastline of four beaches, St. Ives holds great variety for the visitor; the stunning white soft sand of Portminster, the harbour, Porthwidden and Porthmeor beaches for sunbathing and safe swimming; many varied inns and restaurants; fishing trips and motorboat hire; nightlife; refreshing walks in the rugged countryside on the outskirts of town or just exploring its quaint nooks and crannies.
In the heart of the harbour, Premier, Chy Mor and Chy an Chy Apartments provide the perfect base from which to explore the 'Gem of the Cornish Riviera'.
If you prefer hotel accommodation you may wish to consider the Blue Hayes Hotel or the Primrose Valley Hotel. Should you prefer to stay in Carbis Bay, the Rotorua Apartments may be what you are looking for.
Art in St Ives.
For art lovers there are visits to the Barbara Hepworth Gallery, the Leach Pottery, and 'jewel in the crown', the new Tate Gallery.
Tate St Ives is an art gallery in St Ives, Cornwall, UK, exhibiting work by modern British artists, including work of the St Ives School. The three story building, designed by architects Evans and Shaleff, lies on the site of the old gas works overlooking Porthmeor Beach. It was opened to the public in 1993, the second regional gallery in the Tate Gallery network.
The Barbara Hepworth Museum and Sculpture Garden in St Ives, Cornwall preserves the 20th century sculptor's studio and garden much as they were when she lived and worked there. The studio, known as Trewyn Studio, was purchased by Hepworth in 1949, and is typical of the stone-built houses in St Ives. Her living room is furnished as she left it, while the workshop remains full of her tools and equipment, materials, and part-worked pieces. The sculptures featured at the museum (mainly in the secluded garden) were some of her favourites. Her workshop also includes a queue of uncut stones that one visitor has described as “still waiting for their moment in the shadow of her workshop”.
© St Ives Harbour 2010