Cornwall has long been synonymous with artistic innovation. From the bohemian brushstrokes of St Ives to the rugged inspiration of Land’s End, the county has inspired some of Britain’s most iconic painters and sculptors. But the Cornish art scene isn’t just rooted in the past—it’s thriving in the present.
As we move into 2025, a new wave of Cornish artists is capturing national and international attention. These emerging creatives, from painters and potters to digital illustrators and sculptors, are not only redefining contemporary Cornish art but also shaping its global relevance.
This article explores the top Cornish artists to watch in 2025, why Cornwall remains a hub for creativity, and how collectors, tourists, and investors can engage with the art scene—strategically.
Why Cornwall Remains a Hotbed for Creativity
Before we dive into the artists, it’s worth understanding why Cornwall produces so much artistic talent:
- Unique natural light: Especially in St Ives and Penzance, the coastal lighting inspires vivid color use.
- Isolation and inspiration: Cornwall’s landscapes, moors, and sea offer emotional and visual depth.
- Strong art infrastructure: From Falmouth University to Newlyn Art Gallery and Tate St Ives, Cornwall supports emerging talent.
- Thriving tourism: A lucrative art market fuels sales of local works and promotes artistic visibility.
Top 15 Cornish Artists to Watch in 2025
These artists represent the cutting-edge of Cornwall’s evolving art scene. Many have already exhibited nationally, gained media attention, or earned residencies that mark them as rising stars.
1. Megan Rose Herring (Penzance)
Medium: Abstract coastal landscapes
Style: Mixed media with bold color gradients
Megan’s work captures the intersection of the natural world and emotional memory. Her pieces have been featured in British Vogue and are now sold internationally.
Why Watch: Recently selected for the Royal Academy Summer Exhibition 2025
2. Tom Llewellyn (St Ives)
Medium: Oil on canvas
Style: Neo-expressionist figures
Tom’s gritty, textured works reflect Cornwall’s working-class heritage and mining past. His art has attracted collectors from London and New York.
Where to See: Penwith Gallery, St Ives
3. Freya Carlyle (Truro)
Medium: Ceramic sculpture
Style: Organic, nature-inspired forms
Freya’s minimalist sculptures echo the textures of seaweed, shells, and tidal erosion. She recently won the “Emerging Artist Award” at the Cornwall Design Fair.
4. Kofi Daramy (Falmouth)
Medium: Digital illustration & mixed media
Style: Afro-futurism meets Cornish folklore
Kofi brings diversity and narrative storytelling to Cornwall’s art world. His work challenges colonial perceptions and is already featured in The Guardian.
5. Isla Penryn (Redruth)
Medium: Watercolor
Style: Atmospheric moorland and wildlife art
Perfect for interior collectors, Isla’s art evokes stillness and calm. She’s popular among Airbnb and boutique hotel designers.
6. Jasmine Trenwith (Newquay)
Medium: Photography
Style: Surf culture and feminist themes
A documentarian of Cornwall’s youth and surf lifestyle, Jasmine’s Instagram following has exploded, and her limited prints now sell out within hours.
7. Ollie Pascoe (Padstow)
Medium: Metalwork sculpture
Style: Contemporary Cornish industrialism
Using reclaimed metal and fishing gear, Ollie turns Cornwall’s maritime history into bold, sustainable sculptures.
8. Chloe Tresillian (St Austell)
Medium: Pastel and charcoal
Style: Figurative studies of aging in rural settings
Chloe explores the passage of time in Cornwall’s older communities. Her current exhibition, Twilight Landscapes, is touring nationally.
9. Leo Nanjero (Bodmin)
Medium: Acrylic and digital prints
Style: Urban-Cornish hybrids
Leo merges urban graffiti styles with Cornish symbols, producing bold prints that appeal to younger audiences and NFT buyers.
10. Bea Kevern (Liskeard)
Medium: Textiles and embroidery
Style: Feminist folk-art storytelling
Bea’s storytelling via stitched motifs reflects Cornish legends, matriarchy, and ecology. She was recently commissioned by the Eden Project.
11. Rory Maddox (Helston)
Medium: Wood carving
Style: Eco-sculpture using storm-damaged timber
His sustainable, hand-carved totems decorate public parks and private gardens, supported by Cornwall Council’s green art initiatives.
12. Sarah Jago (Perranporth)
Medium: Collage and print
Style: Maximalist, politically charged art
Sarah blends vintage photography with modern protest themes, touching on rural inequality, housing shortages, and sustainability in Cornwall.
13. Nathan Pool (Launceston)
Medium: AI-assisted art
Style: Generative art with human input
Cornwall meets cutting-edge tech with Nathan’s fusion of AI and human design, selling digital editions as NFTs on platforms like OpenSea.
14. Sienna Bosanko (Fowey)
Medium: Ink and pen
Style: Detailed line drawings of Cornish architecture
Great for home décor or retail prints, Sienna’s Etsy shop grew 300% in 2024 and is a favorite among lifestyle bloggers.
15. Emile Trevose (Mevagissey)
Medium: Mixed media installation
Style: Site-specific, immersive art
Emile works with local communities to create immersive art installations in abandoned or natural spaces, blending storytelling, sculpture, and sound.
Where to See Their Work in Cornwall
|
Gallery |
Location |
Specialization |
|
Penwith Gallery |
St Ives |
Abstract & modern Cornish art |
|
The Poly |
Falmouth |
Community-led exhibitions |
|
Newlyn Art Gallery |
Newlyn |
Contemporary fine art |
|
Tate St Ives |
St Ives |
Iconic and emerging Cornish artists |
|
The Exchange |
Penzance |
Large installations & group shows |
How to Buy or Invest in Cornish Art (2025 Guide)
Online Marketplaces
Why Invest in Cornish Art?
- Cultural legacy: Cornwall has produced world-famous artists (Barbara Hepworth, Ben Nicholson)
- Growing tourism economy: Boosts local demand and visibility
- Affordability: Entry-level prices from £200–£2,000 for emerging artists
- Unique voice: Many artists focus on sustainability, mental health, diversity
Events to Discover Artists in Person
|
Event |
Location |
When |
|
Open Studios Cornwall |
Countywide |
May–June annually |
|
Falmouth Art Week |
Falmouth |
August |
|
St Ives September Festival |
St Ives |
September |
|
Truro Winter Art Fair |
Truro |
December |
These events let you meet artists, see their process, and purchase work commission-free.
Tips for Art Collectors & Tourists
- Follow artists on Instagram to track new drops and events
- Buy directly from the artist if possible—better prices, better stories
- Consider print editions for affordability and accessibility
- Support sustainable and inclusive art—many Cornish artists care deeply about the land and people
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
❓ Can I buy Cornish art online?
Yes! Most artists now sell via websites, Etsy, or online galleries. Many also ship internationally.
❓ What’s the average price of original Cornish art?
Emerging artists’ original works range from £200–£2,000. Limited edition prints can cost as little as £50.
❓ Is Cornish art a good investment?
Yes, especially for early-career artists featured in national shows. Cornwall’s rich heritage and growing scene boost long-term value.
❓ How do I know if an artist is emerging or collectible?
Check for:
- Gallery representation
- Awards or grants
- Media coverage (e.g., The Guardian, BBC)
- Exhibition history
Read Also: Nature Reserves & Wildlife in Cornwall (Guide): Best Spots, What to See & When to Visit
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