Jewellery designer, Julia Schofield, always envied the working studio of the stained-glass artist, Julia Mills, in Porthleven. Now after several years, she has taken the lease and invited her friend to display her work there too, alongside many other designer-makers and artists.

“This is a new venture for me,” said Julia Schofield. “I sold my own studio down on the harbour over eight years ago at the same time that the other Julia moved to Newlyn. I’ve been working to commission from home, but missed my customers and the life of the port.

"I always thought the small studio at the top of Fore Street was a pretty little place and the space inside is lovely. I jumped at the opportunity to turn it into a gallery when it became available again.” Julia has been collecting the work of artists and makers not normally seen in the port, and has an interesting collection of studio glass, limited edition prints, textiles, leather, ceramics, literary gifts and sculpture.

The photographs by Keith Richards, which proved so popular at the Lifeboat Gallery earlier in the year, are featured, as is a large, free-standing sculpture by Sally Tully made from glass and driftwood. “Julia Mills and I started our careers in Porthleven at the same time, and it is a thrill for me to have her studio, and to be selling her wonderful panels," said Julia. "Now it is my own workshop too where I design for executive dressing, special occasions and presents.

"I’ve made bridal jewellery for over 70 weddings, including the principal guests, and I’m so looking forward to welcoming back customers who became friends, alongside the new. I'm really enjoying the experience of collecting and showing the work of some of Cornwall’s finest artists and makers, none of whom lives or works more than 20 miles from Porthleven itself."