CREATIVE SCILLY A bike is positively the best way to explore Tresco and, as you circle the island, be sure to stop off at Gallery Tresco in New Grimsby. Here, via a rolling programme of exhibitions from February to November, you will see how the islands have inspired numerous artists to find expression in sculpture, ceramics, painting and more. All offer a new perspective on Scilly in all its moods. Highlights include the dreamy landscapes of Andrew Tozer and John Bampfield, and the naïve simplicity of seascapes by Emma Jeffryes; there’s a touching realism, too, about Geoffrey Bickley’s carved wooden birds, which are fashioned from driftwood and inspired by wildlife on the islands’ shores. Another facet of Scilly’s artistic community is on show at the Phoenix Craft Workshop and Gallery on St. Mary’s. Take a ten-minute walk from Hugh Town, heading to Porthmellon, and you’ll come across a co-operative of five small creative businesses. The studio was set up in 1991 by stained-glass artist Oriel Hicks, whose commissioned windows you might already have spotted around the islands, notably in the churches on Bryher and St. Agnes. A visit to Phoenix is a good chance to stock up on gifts to take home to the mainland – think Oriel’s
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fused glass jewellery, atmospheric paintings and prints by Imogen Bone, marine-inspired screen prints and linocuts by Vickie Heaney. And, if you feel inclined to get creative yourself, Phoenix offers regular craft workshops so you can return home with a new-found skill. Hop over to St. Martin’s for two more creative inspirations that are uniquely Scilly – the exquisite jewellery of Fay Page and the lovely converted barn that’s North Farm Gallery. Here, in Higher Town, you will find collections of many local artists in many different media. Look out for Sue Lewington’s iconic and much loved watercolours and books, and the evocative stoneware pottery of Caroline Gillett – both inspired by lives lived on Scilly. Down at Lower Town Fay and her husband Rob Davis fashion covetable gold and silver mementoes of Scilly, from cowrie shells and starfish to flowers and boats, and make them into an enticing array of rings, necklaces, charms and earrings. All are displayed in their studio and workshop amongst local finds such as re-purposed gig paddles and cabinets made from old boat timbers. Check in advance for opening times, and then treat yourself to something really special that perfectly embodies the spirit of Scilly. Read Fay’s story in her own words on page 44.