subject: The 2 Must See Galleries Of Mousehole [print this page] The cosy village of Mousehole is imbued with myth and legend; it is a magical place of legendary fairy tales. In fact, most fantasy books and films concerning Cornwall feature the tiny fishing village of Mousehole. Such a beautiful part of the world cant help but stimulate the creative juices of great and sensitive artists, writers, musicians and potters. Consequently the works produced in the area are infused with an indelible mark, left from a brush with the inspirational landscape.
Since the 1930s when the great writer Dylan Thomas described Mousehole as the loveliest village in England people have flocked to holiday cottages in Cornwall.
The literary associations are plentiful, with greats such as Charles de Lint, the writer of many modern and urban fairy tales, setting his novel, The Little Country in Mousehole. Likewise, Antonia Barber and Nicola Bayleys famous childrens book, The Mousehole Cat, is set in the village.
Attracted by the numerous creative inhabitants of the area, art-appreciating holidaymakers choose holiday cottages in Cornwall in part due to their proximity to the numerous cultural events and quality galleries in the region. Two standout galleries in Mousehole are The Tyler Gallery and The Little Picture Gallery.
The Tyler Gallery
The Tyler Gallery, at 12 Brook Street, is owned by the passionate fisherman, surfer, painter and Raku potter, Essex Tyler. The exuberant Essex, who has one of his own paintings in the royal collection of Prince Charles, paints mixed media pieces incorporating acrylics, oils, beeswax and marble dust into his pieces. His bright, airy, eponymously named gallery showcases local talents and such highly regarded names as Breon OCasey, Anthony Frost and Biddy Picards. The Tyler Gallery also exhibits Essexs own Raku vessels, and paintings, prints and jewellery made by local artists.
The Little Picture Gallery
Situated on the gallery strip around the Millpool, is another delightful gallery, simply named, The Little Picture Gallery. The gallery is directed by Pam Ellner who also oversees its busy art fair and internet presence. The Little Picture Gallery describes its oeuvre as, "a wide mix of (the) representational, traditional, nave and idiosyncratic". It boasts an impressive stable of artists such as Roger Curtis, Ray Denton, Nicky Higgins, Judy Joel, Brian Mitchell, Sonia Robinson, Nicholas St John and Sonia Rollo.
Well worthy of particular mention are the whimsical, animal themed, limited edition etchings by Sonia Rollo. Rollo, a biologist and print maker extraordinaire, has enjoyed extensive collectability with her endearing, character-filled renderings of native fauna, squirrels, pigs, badgers and domestic animals.
A member of the prestigious Fine Art Trade Guild, the gallery specialises in archival quality, limited edition prints. Works are printed on acid free paper and are available with or without frames. Unframed pieces are the perfect, easily transportable, quality memento to take as a keepsake of your visit, and enjoy for a lifetime.
Only a few lucky folk can call Mousehole home, however, ideas people from all over the world choose to rent holiday cottages in Cornwall, to enjoy the tranquillity and to be inspired by the rich character and charm of this unique fishing village.
