St Ives Gallery at Market House
In the very heart of one of Cornwall’s most celebrated seaside towns, our St Ives gallery welcomes visitors to explore handcrafted fused glass inspired by coast, sky and shifting tide. Nestled within the historic Market House in Market Place, our gallery is perfectly positioned among the winding lanes, whitewashed cottages and working harbour that have defined St Ives for generations. This remarkable setting, rich in character and history, provides an evocative backdrop for contemporary glass art rooted in place and tradition.
Our St Ives gallery space itself is delightfully distinctive. The historic architecture of The Market House brings character and intimacy, creating a gallery environment that feels both welcoming and wonderfully individual. Original features blend with contemporary displays, allowing the vibrant glass to shimmer and catch the light. It is a space where visitors can pause, browse and discover something truly unique.
Normal Opening Times
Monday to Saturday 10:00am to 5:00pm
Sunday 11:00am to 4:00pm
Jo Downs St Ives
3/4 Market House
Market Place
St Ives
Cornwall
TR26 1RZ
Tel: 01736 791555
St Ives Artistic Heritage
St Ives has long been recognised as a beacon for artists. The town’s creative legacy stretches back to the early twentieth century, when painters and sculptors were drawn to its clarity of light and dramatic coastal scenery. Today, that artistic heritage remains woven into daily life, reflected in independent galleries, studios and exhibitions throughout the town. Just moments away, the Tate St Ives celebrates the modern artists who helped shape the St Ives School, while the Barbara Hepworth Museum and Sculpture Garden preserves the spirit of one of Britain’s most influential sculptors. Our gallery proudly sits within this vibrant creative landscape, continuing the town’s long-standing dialogue between art and environment.
The Cornish Light
Cornwall itself is more than a backdrop; it is the beating heart of our collections. The ever-changing Atlantic horizon, the glint of sunlight on water and the textured drama of rugged cliffs all inform Jo’s artistic vision. The famed Cornish light – luminous, silvery, and constantly shifting – has inspired generations of creatives, and it continues to shape Jo’s work today. In fused glass, she captures the atmosphere of sea mist drifting over the harbour, the deep blues and aquamarines of rolling surf, and the warm amber glow of a setting sun reflected across wet sand. Each piece is a celebration of Cornwall’s elemental beauty, distilled into layers of colour, texture and form.
visit cornwall and st ives
Cornwall itself is more than a backdrop; it is the beating heart of our collections. The ever-changing Atlantic horizon, the glint of sunlight on water and the textured drama of rugged cliffs all inform Jo’s artistic vision. The famed Cornish light – luminous, silvery and constantly shifting – has inspired generations of creatives, and it continues to shape Jo’s work today. In fused glass, she captures the atmosphere of sea mist drifting over the harbour, the deep blues and aquamarines of rolling surf, and the warm amber glow of a setting sun reflected across wet sand. Each piece is a celebration of Cornwall’s elemental beauty, distilled into layers of colour, texture and form.
Showcasing our Signature, Artisan and Giftware collections, the gallery offers a wide selection of handcrafted pieces, from statement wall art and sculptural forms to elegant homeware and thoughtful gifts. Whether you are seeking a keepsake to remember your Cornish holiday, a distinctive wedding present, or a striking focal point for your home, each piece reflects meticulous craftsmanship and a deep connection to place.
A visit to our St Ives gallery is more than a shopping experience; it is an invitation to engage with Cornwall’s creative spirit. Surrounded by centuries of history and a thriving contemporary art scene, our space in The Market House stands as a celebration of local artistry, inspired by landscape, shaped by light, and lovingly made by hand in Cornwall.