Polperro has become quite the arts enclave over the years. There’s a number of galleries around the fishing village that support local artists and welcome visitors from across the globe. One of the best is the Polperro Arts Foundation gallery.
The gallery is based in Polperro Village Hall. An array of paintings are hung across the walls from the likes of Sue Lord, Charles Summers and Barbara Taylor, and then there’s ceramic works, photography and even pieces in glass on display. The gallery and foundation don’t just exhibit local artists, though. They spread the word about the local arts scene and the rich arts history in the village so that long may it continue.
The Polperro Arts Foundation was founded in 2001. A collection of talented local artists who wanted to keep the arts traditions alive in the village came together to form the group and soon sought out the village hall as the foundation’s gallery base. Each of the artists works and lives in the Polperro area and each one helps to run the gallery alongside a team of keen volunteers. They all arrange and take part in local arts events, particularly the annual Polperro Festival, which takes place over nine days and celebrates the local community.
Prints and cards are on sale at the gallery and, of course, the artists can be contacted if you are looking to purchase some original pieces. But, for many visitors, the main joy will be found in entering a gallery with little expectation and then being blown away by the sheer local talent on display here. Polperro is indeed an arty haven, whichever gallery you explore.