About us
The Customs House Gallery is housed in a building built by William Cudlipp in 1840 and the courtyard gallery is in a converted net loft that was originally used by local fishermen for packing pilchards and mending nets. The pretty courtyard with its water feature provides a relaxing oasis from the bustle of the harbour and visitors are welcome to sit and relax there while visiting the gallery.
The gallery is run by husband and wife David and Heather Howe and remains open all year round as Heather uses the courtyard gallery as her working studio and David provides a bespoke picture framing service. Both Heather and David are originally from the locality but both spent time away before coming home to settle in Porthleven when they took over the gallery in 2007. Heather, whose father Les Bean is a potter, grew up in the Cornish Art community. Her work is inspired by a lifetime of walking the coastal paths and beaches in all seasons and all weather. Visitors this past year will have met and befriended ‘Howard’ the Rhodesian Ridgeback puppy often found relaxing on the leather couch in the studio with Heather.
Heather and David extend a warm and friendly welcome to all visitors to the gallery and provide a tranquil environment where they display an eclectic collection of work that reflects the very best in Cornish Art and Crafts.