Art by the Sea: A New Exhibition to Enjoy in St Ives This Autumn

If you’re planning an autumn escape to St Ives, there’s a new exhibition I’d make room for in your holiday diary. Wilhelmina Barns-Graham opens at Tate St Ives on 24 October 2026, running until 3 May 2027.

The exhibition brings together more than 170 paintings, drawings and archival items, tracing the artist’s long career. Visitors can discover everything from early landscapes to the vibrant colours of her later paintings, alongside works inspired by her encounter with Switzerland’s Grindelwald Glacier.

What appeals to me is the chance to pair a gallery visit with time beside the sea. I’d plan a leisurely browse, a walk along Porthmeor Beach and then somewhere warm for coffee. That sounds like a rather lovely autumn afternoon.

For visitors staying in Hayle or St Ives, this is an easy addition to a coastal holiday itinerary. I’d check Tate’s opening times and ticket availability before setting out.

If you’re considering an autumn or winter break with Golds Cornish Properties, this exhibition offers another reason to spend a little longer exploring St Ives.

Exhibition details and tickets

Image: AI-generated illustration of St Ives’ coastal setting and artistic heritage.