What is the St Ives School and Cornish mid-century art movement?

The St Ives School and Cornish art movement gained international prominence in the mid-20th century, focused on expressive landscapes, coastal views, and simplified forms inspired by the topography of Cornwall.

What materials were traditionally used in mid-20th-century British oil paintings?

Artists during this period frequently applied oil paint onto canvas, masonite, or wooden boards, often building up heavy impasto textures before mounting the artwork into timber frames.

How can one identify authentic mid-20th-century Cornish oil paintings?

Authentic works often feature distinctive painterly techniques such as bold outlines, architectural forms, artist signatures on the board or reverse, and period-accurate framing materials.

How can a mid-century Cornish oil painting be styled in a modern interior?

This style of artwork functions effectively as a focal piece hung above a sideboard or fireplace mantel, complementing both mid-century timber furniture and contemporary minimalist interiors.

How should a vintage oil painting be cared for and preserved?

Keep oil paintings away from direct sunlight, extreme humidity, and direct heat sources, dusting the frame lightly with a soft, dry microfibre cloth rather than using liquid cleaning agents.

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Joan Gillchrest 1918 - 2008. Cornish Artist. Church and Churchyard. Framed Mid 20th Century Oil Painting. An Early Career Work.

Name: Joan Gillchrest 1918 - 2008. Cornish Artist. Church and Churchyard. Framed Mid 20th Century Oil Painting. An Early Career Work.
Brand: Antique
SKU: SA1120152
Price: 8985 GBP
Availability: InStock

1940 - 1960

For Sale by Big Sky Fine Art

Description

Joan Gillchrest.

English ( b.1918 - d.2008 ).

Church And Churchyard.

Oil On Board.

Signed Lower Left

Image size 33.9 inches x 21.8 inches ( 86cm x 55.5cm ).

Frame size 42.3 inches x 30.3 inches ( 107.5cm x 77cm ).

Available for sale from Big Sky Fine Art in the English county of Dorset, this original oil painting is by the Cornish artist Joan Gillchrest and dates from the late 1960s.

The painting is presented and supplied undisturbed in its original hand painted frame (which is shown in these photographs) and mount. (The mount possibly hiding a date beneath the signature).

This vintage painting is in very good condition, commensurate with its age. It wants for nothing and is supplied ready to hang and display.

The painting is signed lower left.

Previously with the Tony Sanders Gallery, Penzance in May 1993.

Good News for our US Customers!

From 24 July 2026 the original works of art we sell are classified under the US Harmonised Tariff Schedule (HTS) Chapter 97 as exempt from the additional Section 301 import tariffs introduced in February 2026. This means that this original work of art can be imported into the United States without these additional tariffs. This allows American customers to buy from us with confidence, knowing that they are not going to be penalised by this global tariff.

Please note that normal U.S. Customs procedures and any applicable US State sales or use taxes remain unchanged.

We provide a professional shipping and delivery service which is free to customers in the UK, Europe, USA and Canada. We can also provide other worldwide delivery on any purchase. Please contact us for further information.

Joan Gillchrest was one of Mousehole’s and Cornwall’s most recognised and celebrated artists. Her vibrant art sits firmly alongside other great artists of the St. Ives School from the 1960s. She was born into a wealthy and illustrious family of eminent architects and always loved architecture herself. She said that buildings were “in her blood” and painted many of the churches and chapels of the Penwith peninsular. She had a long and interesting life, being both glamourous and bohemian, working as a model and mixing in the artistic circle of her day. As a very private person she never really understood the professional success she enjoyed and was bemused by the demand for her work. She said that she painted in order to give people enjoyment and rarely visited exhibitions, not wanting to be influenced by the work of others. She did not suffer fools gladly, but was warm, loving and generous to those who knew her. She built up a tremendous following and is recognised today as being one in a distinguished line of British naïve expressionists. From 1958 she lived and worked in Mousehole and in 1963 she put up the first string of lights outside her home at Christmas. Now, every year the village and its harbour are illuminated, and the event draws large crowds. This is just one of the enduring legacies from this extraordinary woman.

© Big Sky Fine Art

For a full biography of this artist please see her listing on www.bigskyfineart.com .

A full range of stock is available to browse or purchase at www.bigskyfineart.com .

Contact us by phone on +44 (0) 1305 581426 or email art@bigskyfineart.com .

Physical Dimensions

Height

107.5cm (42.32")

Width

77cm (30.31")

Declaration

Big Sky Fine Art has dated this Cornish Landscape Oil Painting to the 1960s.

Reference Numbers

Sellingantiques Reference

SA1120152

Description

Joan Gillchrest.

English ( b.1918 - d.2008 ).

Church And Churchyard.

Oil On Board.

Signed Lower Left

Image size 33.9 inches x 21.8 inches ( 86cm x 55.5cm ).

Frame size 42.3 inches x 30.3 inches ( 107.5cm x 77cm ).

“

Available for sale from Big Sky Fine Art in the English county of Dorset, this original oil painting is by the Cornish artist Joan Gillchrest and dates from the late 1960s.

Big Sky Fine Art

fig 1. A framed mid-century oil painting depicting a dark gothic church tower surrounded by trees and flying birds against a teal background. — fig 1. Joan Gillchrest 1918 - 2008. Cornish Artist. Church and Churchyard. Framed Mid 20th Century Oil Painting. An Early Career Work.

The painting is presented and supplied undisturbed in its original hand painted frame (which is shown in these photographs) and mount. (The mount possibly hiding a date beneath the signature).

This vintage painting is in very good condition, commensurate with its age. It wants for nothing and is supplied ready to hang and display.

fig 2. A framed mid-century oil painting depicting a dark gothic church tower surrounded by trees and flying birds against a teal background. — fig 2. Joan Gillchrest 1918 - 2008. Cornish Artist. Church and Churchyard. Framed Mid 20th Century Oil Painting. An Early Career Work.

The painting is signed lower left.

Previously with the Tony Sanders Gallery, Penzance in May 1993.

Good News for our US Customers!

From 24 July 2026 the original works of art we sell are classified under the US Harmonised Tariff Schedule (HTS) Chapter 97 as exempt from the additional Section 301 import tariffs introduced in February 2026. This means that this original work of art can be imported into the United States without these additional tariffs. This allows American customers to buy from us with confidence, knowing that they are not going to be penalised by this global tariff.

fig 3. A framed mid-century oil painting depicting a dark gothic church tower surrounded by trees and flying birds against a teal background. — fig 3. Joan Gillchrest 1918 - 2008. Cornish Artist. Church and Churchyard. Framed Mid 20th Century Oil Painting. An Early Career Work.

Please note that normal U.S. Customs procedures and any applicable US State sales or use taxes remain unchanged.

We provide a professional shipping and delivery service which is free to customers in the UK, Europe, USA and Canada. We can also provide other worldwide delivery on any purchase. Please contact us for further information.

fig 4. A framed mid-century oil painting depicting a dark gothic church tower surrounded by trees and flying birds against a teal background. — fig 4. Joan Gillchrest 1918 - 2008. Cornish Artist. Church and Churchyard. Framed Mid 20th Century Oil Painting. An Early Career Work.

Joan Gillchrest was one of Mousehole’s and Cornwall’s most recognised and celebrated artists. Her vibrant art sits firmly alongside other great artists of the St. Ives School from the 1960s. She was born into a wealthy and illustrious family of eminent architects and always loved architecture herself. She said that buildings were “in her blood” and painted many of the churches and chapels of the Penwith peninsular. She had a long and interesting life, being both glamourous and bohemian, working as a model and mixing in the artistic circle of her day. As a very private person she never really understood the professional success she enjoyed and was bemused by the demand for her work. She said that she painted in order to give people enjoyment and rarely visited exhibitions, not wanting to be influenced by the work of others. She did not suffer fools gladly, but was warm, loving and generous to those who knew her. She built up a tremendous following and is recognised today as being one in a distinguished line of British naïve expressionists. From 1958 she lived and worked in Mousehole and in 1963 she put up the first string of lights outside her home at Christmas. Now, every year the village and its harbour are illuminated, and the event draws large crowds. This is just one of the enduring legacies from this extraordinary woman.