Current Exhibition

Chris Hann — Paintings and Drawings

22nd July to 1st August 2026 — Open Monday to Saturday 10.00am to 4.00pm (Closed Sundays)

Chris Hann — Statement

I have realised during the last few years that there is a thread that runs through all my work which is the idea of containment. Houses, harbours and boats are all containers in different ways and many of Hepworth's sculptures have elements of containment too.

I moved to Cornwall from Norwich in 1982 and this had a profound influence on my work. Although I returned to Norwich in 1987, Cornwall has always remained my spiritual home and the catalyst for my ideas, particularly the harbours of St. Ives, Mousehole and Falmouth. An additional major influence has been a long series of drawings done in Barbara Hepworth's garden and studio, as well as the works of Paul Feiler and Terry Frost.

Integrated in to some of the works are elements of Cubism and Chinese perspective as a method of structuring images.My major concern is with composition and colour, and using colour to open up the space on a 2D surface. Sometimes collage is used as a starting point which determines what the composition might be, although this is always subject to change. The collage elements also act as parts of the real world juxtaposed with the suggested applications of paint. Some works have other Cornish images such as tin mine chimneys, segments of Hepworth's sculptures, parts of fishing boats and glimpses of sea, beach and sky. These are not abstract works - they are abstracted - all the works start with observational drawing.

The challenge with my work is to bring these elements together to produce a strong composition that works visually in terms of different relationships as well as an image that evokes a sense of place and meaning - something that can communicate before it is fully understood.

Just as a fisherman is 'caught' by the fish, I am continually drawn back to certain places and images. Mousehole harbour with its solid granite walls containing and protecting the small boats from the ravages of the sea is like a womb. The V shape entrance/exit to the harbour is anatomically feminine too and relates to Hepworth's sculpture 'Divided Form' which has been a source of many works.

Upcoming Exhibitions — August

TOPStitch— Horizons

4 — 15 August 2026 — Open Monday to Saturday 10.00am to 4.00pm (Closed Sundays)

TOPSTITCH is a group of local textile artists . The exhibition represents a years work exploring the theme of Horizons using textile stitch and mixed media. Themes include climate change and the local landscapes as well as  personal journeys. Members of the group will be available each day at the gallery. Work will be for sale as well as cards and small items
You can find out more about TOPstitch at www.topstitchnorwich.wordpress.com


Our guest exhibitor is Debbie Lyddon
Debbie is an artist based in North Norfolk whose
inspiration comes from being out in the natural world –
from walking, noticing, collecting, being curious and learning.
She makes mixed media cloths, sculptures, installations and
drawings which originate from thoughts and memories that
are a consequence of experiencing place and paying attention.

Some images of work by members of Topstitch