Although its cobbled streets, sailor’s cottages, and seaside views have drawn countless visitors over the years, the village’s rich artistic heritage is what truly sets it apart.
Nestled along the rugged coastline of North Yorkshire, Staithes is a gorgeous fishing village with a deep connection to art and culture. Known for its vibrant artistic community, Staithes has inspired so many creatives. Here is Staithes Art and Soul: The Artistic Legacy of a Seaside Village.
The Staithes Group
The Staithes Group was a collective of nearly 40 artists who became active in the fishing village of Staithes around the turn of the 20th century. These artists fit themselves into the local community; they would stay with fishermen, which allowed them to authentically portray the rugged lifestyle of the area in their artworks.
FREE Whitby Mini-Guide
"Get the best from your stay in Whitby." - Everything you need to know about Whitby into a free mini-guide!
A notable member, Joseph Bagshawe, was particularly inspired by the realism of this environment and expressed it vividly in his paintings. The group’s body of work included a variety of styles, from landscapes and portraits to still lifes, and many of its members travelled abroad, which broadened their artistic influences.
William Gilbert Foster and Thomas Barrett were instrumental in founding the group, encouraging emerging talents like Laura Knight to come and paint in Staithes. The arrival of the railway in 1883 significantly increased access to the village, and in 1901, the group showcased their first exhibition at the Staithes Fishermen’s Institute. They continued to exhibit annually until 1904, but the group ultimately disbanded in 1907 due to restrictions concerning available venues.
While some artists chose to stay in the area, others moved to different art colonies or urban centres. Today, the works of The Staithes Group are held in private collections and museums worldwide, including prestigious institutions like the Tate and Leeds Art Gallery. The Pannett Gallery in Whitby also possesses several works by group members, though notable artist Thomas Barrett is not among them.
The Staithes Group Collection, at Pannett Art Gallery
When you visit the Pannett Art Gallery, you’ll find a rotating selection of remarkable works by The Staithes Group of Artists. This collective of British Impressionists painted together in Whitby and along the Yorkshire coast between approximately 1894 and 1909.
Their artwork captures local life and activities, featuring beautiful depictions of rural, domestic, and maritime scenes alongside still life and portraits. Pannett Art Gallery proudly hosts the only comprehensive public exhibition of their paintings.
Staithes is a village that lives and breathes art
Today, Staithes’ artistic legacy continues to thrive, with its quirky, colourful streets and rough landscapes still as a muse for contemporary artists. The village is home to a vibrant community of painters, sculptors, and craftspeople, many of whom have set up studios in the same buildings where the Staithes Group once worked.
The Staithes Gallery itself is a fantastic place to explore the work of both local and national artists. Here, you’ll find a mix of traditional seascapes, contemporary pieces, and intricate studies of local life.
In addition to this gallery, many local artists open their studios to visitors, offering an authentic, behind-the-scenes glimpse into the creative process.
Staithes Festival of Arts and Heritage, a celebration of creativity
The Staithes Festival of Arts and Heritage is an annual event that attracts artists, collectors, and visitors from all over the country. Held every September, this festival turns the entire village into an open-air gallery, with artists displaying their works in locations ranging from local pubs and cafes to the village’s historic buildings and private homes.
The event has grown in popularity over the years and now boasts over 100 artists showcasing their talents in various mediums—from painting and sculpture to photography and textile art.
It’s not just a chance to buy artwork but also to meet the artists, watch them at work, and hear their stories about what drew them to this unique corner of the world. The event also includes live demonstrations, workshops, and talks, making it an exciting and educational occasion for anyone interested in art.
Although a small village, it holds a substantial artistic heritage and creative energy. Whether you’re visiting to explore the history of The Staithes Group, browsing the local galleries, participating in the annual Art and Heritage Festival, or simply visiting for a creative inspiration pull that this seaside village has on artists and art lovers.
Related Posts