Summer 2022 and Launceston’s artists have really come to town, showing us hundreds of reflections of life in north Cornwall. The town centre is positively alive with artist activity this Festival, with three projects all using shops and shopfronts to showcase paintings, photographs, and prints by dozens of artists. Lawrence House Museum has also taken up temporary residence on Castle St and an exhibition in the Arch! Here’s what is happening …
Shop Window Exhibition
Nearly forty artists are featured in the fourth Shop Window Exhibition that transforms the centre of town into an art gallery seen from the street and open 24/7 throughout July. Once again shop owners have donated window space so that each of their windows can feature the work of a local artist – walk around town and spot the abstracts, miniatures, landscapes, and portraits incorporated into window displays throughout the town centre.
The Shop Window Exhibition is co-ordinated by Terre Verte Gallery working with shop owners and Launceston artists.
Studios on the High Street
As part of Tresorys Kernow, Launceston is one of ten towns boosting town centre culture this summer. Here, three venues – two empty shops and the lobby of a hotel – have been temporarily converted into artist’s studios. Studios on the High Street has installed two print workshop projects at 17 Church St, three artists at 22 Church St and a portrait painter at the White Hart Hotel.
All these artists have been resident in the town centre from May to July, developing their work in a public setting, running workshops for the community and exploring stories of the places and people of Launceston. Visitors to the studios are welcome throughout June and July and there will be an exhibition of work during the Festival where you can meet the artists.
Artists at 22 Church St:- Janie M McDonald; Peter Ursem; Richard Hudson
Artist at the White Hart Hotel:- Sam Akroyd
Artists at 17 Church St:- Karen Howse and Lydia Christine ( the Hello Project ) ; Sue Coleman, Jacqui Harris, Sophie Fordham, Faith Chevannes, Katie Godden Green, Maddy Meaden, Gillian Spottiswoode, Oonagh Glancy, Gabrielle Goodchild, Karen Howse ( Swanskin Printers)
Cornwall Museum Partnership’s Tresorys Kernow project is funded by the UK Government through the UK Community Renewal Fund. Cornwall Council has been chosen by Government as a Lead Authority for the fund and is responsible for monitoring the progress of projects funded through the UK Community Renewal Fund in Cornwall.
Launceston Camera Club
Stunning photographs by members of Launceston Camera Club form an exhibition in the windows of the ‘jag shop’ on Castle St. It is a mark of the quality and success of this work that the Club had more successful entries in the national camera club competition in 2021 than any other club in Britain. Many of the nationally commended pictures are here – landscapes, portraits, still lifes, – all the work of one of the best camera clubs in the country.
Historic Building of Launceston
An exhibition to draw your attention to the town’s eclectic mix of historic buildings. One only has to stand in the Town Square to appreciate the variety of architecture. All manner of building styles can be seen and, if you look up, you will see all sorts of oddities! Plus, in conjunction with the Friends of Launceston Priory, for heritage weekend a small display of Priory artefacts has been created. Open 10:30 AM – 16:00 across 29th-31st July.
Lawrence House Museum pop-up, 13 High Street. Launceston, PL15 8ER
Be sure to check out these exhibitions during your visit to the Causley Festival, 29-31 July, in Launceston.
