Create

Market House

St Austell Market House is an old building of great historical and architectural importance. In the middle ages it was customary for Markets and Fairs to be held in Churchyards, but in the reign of Edward III a Law was passed to prohibit such activities on Church premises and the Markets transferred to some adjacent site nearby.

The site upon which the Market House now stands was previously used as Market Place and records show that in 1791 a small market building stood on the site.

It was totally inadequate for the needs of a growing market town and in 1842 an Act of Parliament was given Royal Assent by Queen Victoria to permit the people of St Austell to build a Market House and Town Hall on the site.

The Market house is home to many creative tenants, Glass and ceramic artists are abundant in the mix; showcasing a variety of different ceramic creations and hosting events and workshops for members of the public. Current artists at the market house include:

Emma Louis Art Stitch | Claire Harris Fused Glass | Studio 19

The aim is to create more opportunities for the public to interact with this historic building.

Market House Trustees have a redevelopment plan in place for this historically important building. The renovated space could become a studio building containing classrooms, artists’ studios, glazing areas, gas and electric kilns. Space for exhibition galleries, retail space, administrative offices, and meeting space. The new facilities will offer greater financial stability for the Market House with income generated through classes, contracts, workshops events, gallery sales; studio rentals and kiln firings; and catering.

The increased space within the Market House will offer greater capacity for exhibitions and provide better facilities for more and varied artwork to be shown in the Town Centre.

Find out more here

Related Articles
Create

Clay Exchange

Developing St Austell’s national and international networks, working with ceramic arts initiatives, festivals and communities world wide.
Create

Market House

St Austell Market House is an old building of great historical and architectural importance.