News

Hester Berry

We're very excited to announce that in August, we'll be showcasing the captivating work of Hester Berry. Renowned for her mesmerising landscapes and the way in which she captures light, Hester's art has a real energy about it and we can't wait for her solo show later in the season. Hester Berry visited Scilly again earlier this month and really loved the ‘rapidly changing weather’ and ‘the intensity of light’ that the islands provided. From lush countryside scenes to rugged coastlines, Hester Berry’s paintings capture the beauty of nature in all its glory. See the featured image of Hester sketching on Tresco during a damp day at Easter and her resultant picture, painted in her studio from the sketches she made whilst she was here.

Sue Lewington and Leah Lewington

In September, we'll also be welcoming artistic mother and daughter duo, Sue and Leah Lewington, to our gallery. Sue will be offering a range of work, including her iconic watercolour sketches and silversmith daughter, Leah, will be showcasing a range of her jewellery as well as some artwork painstakingly created from a mix of metals. With their unique strengths and ties to the island, their joint exhibition promises to be a real delight. 

More details about these exhibitions will be released in time but if you are interested in being first to hear about any of our artists, please do email us so we can add you to our dedicated artist lists! 

Scilly in Print

May in Scilly is going to be a celebration of art as Visit Isles of Scilly are organising the ‘Creative Scilly Festival’ from 10th-19th May. We're delighted to announce that as part of the event, we'll be hosting 'Scilly in Print', an exhibition showcasing a range of original prints, inspired by the Isles of Scilly. Join us on the 12th of May between 7pm and 8.30pm for our opening night. 

On Wednesday, 15th May, we are also hosting a drop-in monoprint workshop between 11am and 1pm. Whether you're a seasoned printmaker or a complete newbie, pop along, even if just for five or ten minutes and unleash your creativity! It's set to be a morning filled with fun, laughter, and plenty of ink!

New Arrivals

We've got some fabulous new arrivals from Claire Henley and new textile artist, Millie Elphick (daughter of mixed media artist Tracey Elphick), as well as some stunning pieces from a selection of new jewellers. These pieces are currently only in our gallery on St Mary’s but do keep checking our website as Millie’s one-of-a-kind textile pieces and various jewellers' items will be added to our online shop very soon.

I was hoping to write an update this week with tales of springtime sunshine from the 'sub-tropical' Isles of Scilly.... 

As it happens, winter has begun again in force here this week, with heavy rain, strong winds and even hail! They cancelled the Scillonian today due to strong winds and I am here in the gallery writing this whilst ringing out my skirt and trying to dry my boots following the latest unexpected downpour on the way in! However, the current weather is not dampening our spirits and we are excited about the season ahead.

Over the winter, we have been working hard to freshen up the interior of the gallery and have been painting the walls, doors, cupboards, chairs and even the floors! At times, it has been a multi-generational effort with my mother, Oriel painting walls, Dori up cycling chairs, me touching up signs and my nine-year-old also wielding a paintbrush!

We hope the gallery feels a bit fresher and newer whilst retaining the relaxed and creative feel provided by Piers Lewin’s uniquely sculptural driftwood desk and displays. Locals going past and those who have popped in already have said how lovely it is looking which is always reassuring to hear! 

We reopened at the start of last week to coincide with the arrival of the first Scillonian of the year. That day happened to be one of sunshine and really felt like the start of the season and that summer was only just around the corner. Despite the downpour this morning, I can now see blue skies above so hopefully spring really is on its way!

We are enjoying welcoming visitors back to Scilly and back to the gallery. We are open six days a week at Tamarisk and it’s lovely to see both new and old faces popping in. 

In the background, we're also busy curating a series of exhibitions throughout the year that will showcase our talented artists and craftspeople. More details on dates, featured artists, and exclusive events to follow.