Case Study: Newlyn Art Gallery

We caught up with Newlyn Art Gallery, to find out more about the beautiful space and discuss why our Tom Raffield Skipper Pendants are the perfect fit for their creative space.

TR: Can you tell us a bit about Newlyn Art Gallery?

NAG: Newlyn Art Gallery is a contemporary art gallery; we have two venues and often exhibitions extend across both venues. We offer a wide and varied programme, showcasing the best of national and international contemporary art, as well as work by some of the best artists currently working in the region. The building was redeveloped in 2007, the Studio was created, with panoramic views across the bay, this room can be used as a workshop space for school groups, a space for private hires, or a quiet study area to sit with a coffee and weather watch. It also hosts an evolving programme of exhibitions.

TR: Why did you choose Tom Raffield in your space, The Studio?

NAG: In 2022 we hosted an exhibition called Cornwall Design: The Art of Making, which was a celebration of craft and design showcasing some of the best makers working across Cornwall and the southwest. The Art of Making brought together the joy of the handcrafted, celebrating and championing creativity from established and emerging makers, crafts people, and designers. From ceramics and metalwork, sculpture, textiles, print and woodwork.

We wanted Tom to be involved and had previously seen the Tom Raffield lampshades at Port Elliot Festival hanging from the trees at night and thought this would be a wonderful thing to replicate in the Studio space, as they would look beautiful in the space itself, but also silhouette at night. The Studio is a very popular gallery venue hire space which is often rented out for anything from artist workshops to birthday parties and baby showers, we often receive very positive comments about the space for it’s natural light and beautiful lampshades!

The exhibition ran from 25 JUN — 29 OCT 2022 to coincide with Jerwood Art Fund Makers Open, a celebration of craft and design showcasing some of the best makers working in Cornwall and the south west, including BROCK – Amy Brock Morgan, Kinsley Byrne, DARN – Amelia Pemberton, Jack Doherty, Francli Craftwear, Tor Harrison, John Mackenzie, Emily Nixon, Tom Raffield, Rebecca Rasmussen and Bethany Wood.

TR: How do you implement sustainable practices into your business?

NAG: Some of the things we’re doing:

• In our shops, all our in-house packaging is plastic-free. We use brown paper bags, tissue paper for packaging, and degradable bubble wrap for posting glass and ceramics.
• We are supporting local makers and artists in our shops. Approx 40% of the shop stock is made and supplied by local makers and designers, and we hope to increase this.
• We use reusable Huskee keep-cups in the cafes and we’re part of the reusable Huskee Cup scheme in Penzance.
• 60% of staff walk or use public transport to work.
• We have switched to 100% renewable electricity and our gas is from a carbon neutral source. We use low-energy LED lighting across both galleries.
• We have reduced the use of paper programmes and handouts, and instead use QR codes to access information on our website.
• We reuse materials for temporary walls in exhibitions, no longer sending plasterboard to landfill. We reuse exhibition furniture, and have reduced painting gallery walls.
• Artist and staff travel is reduced, and transport trips are consolidated, when possible.
• Our Gallery Trail encourages visitors to walk or cycle from one venue to another.
• We are actively supporting organisations such as Cornwall Wildlife Trust, and Growing Links.

TR: We love the view from The Studio, how does being by the beautiful Cornish coast affect your styling decisions?

NAG: This room has very high ceiling and can be seen from the coast path, particularly at night. We felt it needed a wow-factor for gallery visitors as they enter the room and this collection of lampshades really works in the space. Tom’s technique allows him to create intricate curves and twists, mimicking organic shapes and celebrating nature and in-keeping with the everchanging views and colours you can see from the Studio. We often have yoga and meditation sessions in the space and these lampshades make the perfect mandalas to look up at when relaxing.

TR: Do you have a favourite Tom Raffield design?

NAG: Obviously, we love all the lampshade designs, but also have huge appreciation for everything Tom does, he represents a new generation of designers and makers, using craft in innovative and contemporary ways. Leading the way in sustainable design, creating beautiful work, and causing as little environmental impact as possible along the way.

Posted: 23.08.24