What happened when visiting artists encountered the everyday life of a working Cornish fishing town?
Art historian David Tovey explores the social history of St Ives between 1860 and 1930, revealing the personalities, traditions and occasional tensions between artists and the local community.
From fishing and Methodism to scuffles and accusations of artists being 'paint-wasters', discover the stories behind one of Britain's most celebrated artistic communities.
Friday 20 November 2026
Doors open 5pm | Illustrated talk and Q&A 6pm–7pm
Tickets £15
Part of our Cornish Art Talks series. Book all four talks for £50, saving £10.
Friday 20 November 2026 | 6pm–7pm
St Ives is internationally celebrated for its artistic heritage, but what was life really like when artists began arriving in this busy Cornish fishing town?
In this fascinating illustrated talk, art historian David Tovey explores the relationship between artists and the local community between 1860 and 1930, revealing a social history that extends far beyond the paintings themselves.
From the town's fishing industry and strong Methodist traditions to the arrival of visiting artists, Tovey examines how two very different worlds lived and worked alongside one another.
Not every encounter was harmonious. Stories of disagreements, scuffles and accusations of artists being little more than 'paint-wasters' reveal the sometimes complicated relationship between the creative newcomers and the people who already called St Ives home.
An engaging exploration of the personalities, tensions and everyday lives behind one of Britain's most famous artistic communities.
Event information
Date: Friday 20 November 2026
Doors open: 5pm
Talk and audience Q&A: 6pm–7pm
Tickets: £15 per person
Four-Talk Pass: £50 for all four November talks (saving £10)
Make an evening of it at The Sherborne
Join us from 5pm before the talk begins at 6pm. Why not extend your visit with dinner in The Sherborne Restaurant? Advance restaurant booking is encouraged.
Restaurant reservations: https://www.thesherborne.uk/eat
Please read our Booking Terms before completing your purchase. Tickets are refundable up to 48 hours before the event start time. We are unable to offer refunds within 48 hours of the event or for non-attendance.