Very Important Piece: Tom Leaper at St Michael’s Mount

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A VERY IMPORTANT PIECE

ST MICHAEL BY TOM LEAPER

The Steward’s House on St Michael’s Mount was built around 1815 to act both as a residence and an office for the Mount Steward. The village population at that time was about 300, with three pubs, a school and a thriving harbour.

The grand house is one of the few buildings to survive the great Victorian restorations on the island that started in the 1870s. It still belongs to the St Aubyn family, who recently transformed it into an art gallery; it now houses the Sheila Hichens Collection, comprising Newlyn School artwork depicting life in West Cornwall.

For a newly-created intimate walled garden at the rear of the house, Lord and Lady St Levan commissioned a new work by sculptural artist Tom Leaper. St Michael is an abstract artwork cast in patinated bronze and plated with gold. The archangel is represented with sweeping wings, slaying Satan (in the form of a serpent) with his sword.

The precise placement of this piece is significant: when sunlight falls upon the work from the west, it casts a shadowy silhouette of the serpent on the ground. It also stands in alignment with the church on top of the Mount, which in turn aligns with the seven locations dedicated to St Michael found upon the ley line. These are also referenced by seven circles of gold on the handle of the sword.

Entry to the Steward’s House is free for visitors to the island until April 30, 2023. For opening dates and times, visit www. stmichaelsmount.co.uk

CREATIVE & CULTURAL LIVING

CIRCA 21

Feel inspired this winter - discover Circa 21, a wonderfully creative shop in the heart of Penzance, established in 2014 by Esme & Alan Burton. XMAS SHOPPING event on Sunday 18th December 11am-4pm. Spread over two floors, you’ll find work from some of the region’s top potters like John Webb & Lincoln Kirby-Bell. West Penwith is bursting with originality and Esme has captured some of this talent for you to admire and fall in love with. Original art from Theresa Shaw and Steph Croydon are among 30 Cornwall based makers, including owner Esme’s pretty silver & copper jewellery that she makes in-house.

CIRCA 21, 21 Market Jew Street, Penzance, Cornwall, TR18 2HR • Open 10am-4pm (closed Sundays & Bank Holiday Mondays) A circa21pz • www.circa21.co.uk

JACKSON FOUNDATION

KURT JACKSON: HELFORD RIVER Until February 2023. In this new collection Kurt Jackson revisits the Helford River, its creeks and tributaries reveal stunning beauty and incredible biodiversity.

ANDER GUNN: SEVEN DECADES Until February 2023. Photographer Ander Gunn has spent a lifetime turning his lens to the world, from working class Londoners to the brightest lights of the St Ives School. This exhibition of black and white images reflects his output over the last 70 years to offer a small sample of his portrait, landscape and street photography. INSPIRE MAKERS

Located towards the top of Falmouth High Street, Inspire Makers is a creative space showcasing the talent of over 50 Cornish artists and craftspeople. There is a wide range of contemporary work from both wellknown and emerging makers, across jewellery, ceramics, textiles, painting & prints, stationery, and homewares. There is also a pop-up gallery which hosts a year round programme of short exhibitions by Cornish artists, and a dedicated workshop space which offers classes to inspire people to become creative themselves. Check our website for details on what’s coming up. Opening Times: Tues to Sat 10am-5pm Inspire Makers, 5 High Street, Falmouth, TR11 2AB • T: 01326 531176 E: create@inspiremakers.com • W: www.inspiremakers.com A @inspire_makers • G inspiremakers

MARTIN JOHN FOWLER

Martin John Fowler is a professional working artist based in South Yorkshire with strong connections to Cornwall. Displaying in several local galleries, Martin’s work looks to capture Cornwall’s rugged and wild coastal areas, often en plein air when possible, and as a result has had his work exhibition both nationally and internationally in solo and mixed exhibitions.

www.martinjohnfowler.com

SHARON MCSWINEY

A bright gallery space showcasing metalwork, silver jewellery & artwork. Inspired by the Cornish coast unique pieces created by Sharon in St Ives.

Sharon McSwiney, Gallery on the Square, 12 Island Square, St Ives TR26 1NX Tel 01736 448293 • www.sharonmcswiney.co.uk

62 FOOD BITES 64 WINE WORLD: KNIGHTOR 67 PLACES TO EAT: HOT CHOCOLATE 70 MEET THE CHEF: HOTEL MEUDON 72 WEEKEND AWAY: PENVENTON HOTEL, REDRUTH 74 EXPERIENCE: GREENBANK HOTEL, FALMOUTH