01271 864864
ILFRACOMBE ART & CRAFT SOCIETY WELCOMES YOU
Once inside the art & craft centre you will find a large selection of original paintings created by talented local artists. From local seascapes and harbour scenes to studies of beautiful North Devon and Exmoor there's something to suit every ones taste.
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The craft work selection is just as varied. On show there's stained glass work, hand created glass sculptures and glass jewellery items, pottery, woodturning, forged ironwork, handmade cards, sewn and knitted creations as well as hand carved walking sticks and locally made violins.
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So whether you are looking for a large picture for that special place in your home, a small present for a friend or even fancy spoiling yourself with a reminder of your visit to Ilfracombe, you'll be sure to find something suitable in our art & craft centre... and you can be assured that whatever you buy will have been produced locally and that a part of the cost your purchase will be donated to a local charity.
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ABOUT US
In the late sixties a small group of artists joined together with a desire to promote and encourage painting and craft skills in North Devon. They aimed to achieve this by displaying the work of local artists by means of an annual exhibition, the proceeds of which raised money to support local charities. The late Mr Walter Elliot, a very well-known local artist, headed the group and was the President of the Ilfracombe Art & Craft Society.
Initially empty shops in the high street were rented during the summer months. Then in 1975 space was obtained in the east wing of the old pavilion. The exhibition stayed at the pavilion until 1990, moving then to the hall of the Emmanuel Church for the next 4 years. The Gallery returned to the east wing for a further 3 years until the pavilion was demolished. The old TIC building then became the home of the Gallery for the next 6 years.
In 2004 a new 7-year lease was negotiated to rent the ground floor Hall of the Emmanuel Church where we remained until June 2015.
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In July 2015, with the help and hard work of the members of the society, The Gallery reopened in one of the large premises along The Promenade, opposite the original site of the Pavilion.
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We are proud to have created an exhibition area for local Art and Craft that is probably the best independent and non-subsidised exhibition facility in North Devon.
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Today we average over 40,000 visitors each season and have maintained our ambition to support local charities. Over the last 40 years the society has donated close on £100,000 to local causes. We have also now become a registered charity.
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All items for sale in the Gallery are original works produced by local artists and crafts people.
OPENING HOURS
We are open 7 days a week 10.30am to 3.30pm.
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