Polperro paints a pretty picture. This large fishing village on Cornwall’s south coast is an object of visual beauty. But if you’ve explored its streets and walks and fancy a little more in the way of awesome art then you simply have to pop into Ebenezer Gallery.
The East Cornwall Society of Artists is behind Ebenezer Gallery, accounting for the excellent exhibits that line its walls. Paintings in media, acrylics, pastels, watercolours and oils are on display in the two-storey space, as are an array of ceramics, sculptures and woodturned works. It’s all high quality stuff and often focuses on the stunning scenery that can be seen around Cornwall’s countryside and shores.
Originally built as a chapel in 1877, the building that houses Ebenezer Gallery closed as a place of worship in the 1930s before becoming a builder’s store and workshop in the centre of Polperro. In 1972, the society, which dates back to Liskeard in the 1940s, bought it and used it as a base to show its artists’ works. It was a hit and has seen art lovers, locals and tourists stream through its doors for a browse ever since.
The society now has more than 100 members, many who put their work up for sale on the gallery’s website. But for a more authentic experience, head into the gallery, view the art and then see what pieces are on sale within. Society members are always on hand to give more information about what’s for sale and obviously they are fonts of knowledge when it comes to the group, the artworks and the local area. Workshops are also available for non-society members but must be pre-booked so see the gallery’s website beforehand for details. Ebenezer: a haven for art in one of Cornwall’s most picturesque villages.