In the centre of Truro, Cornwall’s only city, Lemon Street (constructed between 1790 and 1810) provides locals and visitors with a taste of its Georgian heritage, a signifier of its prosperity and cultural significance. Housed within its interiors is an organic melt of art, history and Cornish identity. Enter upon this thoroughfare one new gallery, populated by the works of Jo Downs Handmade Glass. Known for her intricate fused glass ornaments and installations, her output celebrates Cornwall’s landscapes and traditions. Her new gallery not only showcases her stunning work but also becomes part of Truro’s artistic heritage. Discover Jo Downs' new gallery in Truro.
The location
For Jo, this space represents more than just a gallery. It embodies a connection between tradition and modernity, acting as a metaphor for her traditional techniques and modern designs. It also allows her to reach a wider audience and fill the space between her other Cornish galleries in St Ives, Fowey, Launceston, Padstow and Tintagel.
Jo Downs and her Cornish roots
Jo Downs’ affinity for Cornwall runs deep, and it’s not just a surface-level appreciation of the region's natural beauty. Her connection is personal and heartfelt, rooted in her childhood holidays spent in Cornwall. Today, Jo lives in the very home that once belonged to her grandmother, a place filled with memories of summer vacations. She has turned this house into both a home and a creative hub, where the stunning seascapes and landscapes influence her artistic vision.
Cornwall, with its rocky and irregular coastlines, azure seas and dramatic skies, has always been an inspiration for artists. For Jo, the ever-changing light on the water and the unique textures are reflected in her glasswork. Whether it's the shimmering turquoise and greens reminiscent of the Atlantic or the earthy tones that echo Cornwall's cliffs, Jo’s pieces capture the essence of the region, bringing the natural world indoors through light and colour.
Truro’s flourishing art scene
While many might associate St Ives with Cornwall’s artistic history, Truro has quietly developed its own thriving art scene. The city is home to several notable galleries and artists, each contributing to the rich cultural fabric of the area.
One such institution is the Heseltine Gallery, which houses a stunning collection of 19th and 20th-century art, much of it inspired by Cornwall. Showcasing works that draw from the region’s distinctive landscapes and seascapes, it provides a fitting backdrop for the work of contemporary artists like Jo.
Another is the Lemon Street Gallery, located just down the road from Jo's new space. This space focuses on contemporary fine art, regularly exhibiting works by some of the UK’s most exciting artists. Its presence on Lemon Street creates a lively cultural corridor, making Truro an essential stop for anyone wishing to engage with Cornwall’s creative scene
And then there’s “The Drummer” by Tim Shaw? This larger-than-life bronze sculpture, located in the heart of Truro, stands as a testament to the city’s embrace of bold, modern art. The sculpture depicts a lone figure in mid-performance, symbolising strength, creativity and the rhythm of life.
Fused glass art
Jo’s signature style is instantly recognisable – fluid forms, rich textures, and vibrant colours all come together to create pieces that are both beautiful and functional. From small homeware items to large-scale installations, Jo's work brings the natural beauty of Cornwall into people’s homes.
In many ways, glass is the perfect medium to capture the spirit of Cornwall. The way light interacts with glass mimics the way sunlight dances on the sea or filters through Cornish mists. Jo’s pieces, whether they are abstract interpretations of a stormy sea or delicate representations of rock pools, evoke a sense of place and time, unmistakably drawing upon Cornish influences.
The importance of Cornish heritage in Jo’s work
Cornwall's rich artistic heritage is something Jo Downs is keenly aware of, and her work pays homage to the artists who came before her. From the iconic painters of the Newlyn School to the modern sculptors and potters who find inspiration in the Cornish landscape, there is a long tradition of artists drawn to this unique part of England.
Jo’s work, while contemporary in style, is very much part of this tradition. She carries forward the legacy of Cornish artists who have used their craft to explore the relationship between people and place. In doing so, she ensures that her work is not only beautiful but also meaningful and connected to the land and history of Cornwall.
A new chapter
With the opening of Jo Downs’ gallery on Lemon Street, a new chapter begins for Truro’s art scene. The gallery will undoubtedly become a destination for both locals and tourists, offering a chance to experience Cornwall’s beauty uniquely and tangibly. Jo’s work invites visitors to see the world through her eyes.
The gallery itself, with its historical setting and contemporary art, is a reflection of the city’s dynamic nature. Truro is a place where history and modernity exist side by side, where the past informs the present, and where art continues to evolve and flourish.
Whether you are an art enthusiast, a lover of Cornwall’s natural beauty, or simply curious about the world of fused glass, Jo Downs' new gallery promises to be a space that will both inspire and delight.
