Our Story
About Ebenezer Gallery
Tucked into the heart of Polperro, Ebenezer Gallery is more than just an exhibition space — it's a living part of the local community and a celebration of creativity across East Cornwall.
From Chapel to Creative Hub
Founded in 1946 as the Liskeard Art Club, the East Cornwall Society of Artists (ECSA) has spent 80 years supporting, promoting and connecting artists. What began as a small group meeting in Looe to share ideas and a love of art has grown into a thriving society of around 80 members, all dedicated to the practice and appreciation of the visual arts.
Originally built in 1877 as Ebenezer Chapel, the building has evolved over the decades — from a place of worship to a builder's workshop, and finally, in 1972, into the home of the Society. When the opportunity arose to purchase the former carpentry workshop, members recognised its potential and transformed it into the gallery you see today.
Since opening its doors for its first exhibition in June 1972, Ebenezer Gallery has remained a cornerstone of artistic life in Polperro — a place where tradition and contemporary creativity meet.
Today, the gallery is run by an elected committee on behalf of its members, with the building held in trust to ensure its future for generations of artists to come.
Our Journey
A Rich History
The Chapel is Built
The building that now houses the gallery was originally the Ebenezer Chapel, constructed in Polperro in 1877.
The Methodist Union
The Wesleyan, Primitive Methodist and United Methodist Church amalgamated to become the Methodist Church of Great Britain, and the chapel became the Ebenezer Methodist Church.
A New Purpose
The chapel was sold and became a builder's store and workshop — the beginning of its long transformation into a creative space.
The Society is Founded
The Society was formed as the Liskeard Art Club, bringing together local artists for the promotion, practice and appreciation of painting and the visual arts.
A New Name
The Liskeard Art Club was renamed the East Cornwall Society of Artists, reflecting its growing reach across the region.
The Gallery is Born
The Society purchased Libby's carpentry workshop in Polperro — the former Ebenezer Chapel — and opened its doors for its first annual exhibition in June of that year.
Incorporation
The Society incorporated as East Cornwall Society of Artists Ltd. The gallery is owned by the Society, held in trust by trustees, and leased to ECSA Ltd for a nominal rent.
80 Years & Going Strong
This year marks 80 years since the formation of the Society. With 80 members including 7 associates, the gallery continues to go from strength to strength.
Leadership
Our Committee
The gallery is run by a dedicated volunteer committee who ensure the continued success and community spirit of the Ebenezer Gallery.
Jill Thomas
Honorary President
Emma Grange
Chair (Director)
Carol Gowing
Exhibition Secretary
Heather Hunt
Asst. Exhibition Secretary & Social Media
Sarah Gabert
Exhibition Assistant
Rory Farquhar Thomson
Treasurer (Director)
Clare Roper-Paris
Membership Secretary
Helen Gray
Secretary
Sue Crook
Workshops (Director)
Dave Moore
Maintenance Officer
Euan Hunter
Compliance (Director)
Sarah Thorneycroft
Duties Board
Our Mission
A Society Built on Creativity
At its heart, ECSA exists to encourage artistic development and connection. Through exhibitions, demonstrations, talks and workshops, members continue a long-standing tradition of sharing knowledge, inspiring one another, and engaging with the wider public.
Collaboration is central to what we do. We maintain strong links with Looe Arts and Crafts, sharing monthly workshops, and work alongside Plymouth Watercolour Society on an annual workshop funded by the Claude Kitto bursary. These opportunities allow artists to learn, experiment and grow together.
We also believe art should support the wider community. Throughout the year, we raise funds for charities including the RSPCA, Air Ambulance and RNLI Looe Lifeboat, and sell music by the late Tom Palmer with proceeds supporting Marie Curie and the lifeboats.
Community
Deep Roots in the Community
Ebenezer Gallery has always been closely connected to the communities of Looe, Polperro, and the wider East Cornwall area.
We are proud to work alongside Looe Community Academy, hosting student exhibitions throughout the year. These shows give young artists the opportunity to exhibit their work in a professional gallery setting — often for the first time — and to receive real feedback from visitors. Seeing their work displayed alongside established artists is both inspiring and confidence-building.
In 2025, we collaborated with the Orwell Society to bring a unique art competition to the area, inviting artists to respond to the themes of George Orwell's writing. The result was a vibrant dialogue between literature and contemporary art, celebrating creativity across disciplines.
We also work closely with local businesses in Polperro — from cafés and independent shops to hotels and pubs — helping to promote events that bring visitors into the village. These partnerships not only support artists but also enrich the cultural experience for those exploring the area.
Est. 1946 · 80 Years & Looking Ahead
Open to Everyone
Ebenezer Gallery is a welcoming and inclusive space. We encourage members and visitors from all backgrounds and strive to make the gallery accessible to everyone. The ground floor offers step-free access for wheelchairs, mobility scooters and prams, with seating available throughout for those who need to rest. Our stewards are always on hand to offer assistance and ensure every visitor feels comfortable.
2026 marks 80 years since the Society was formed — a milestone we're incredibly proud of. From its beginnings as a small art club to a vibrant creative hub, ECSA continues to evolve while staying true to its founding spirit.
Ebenezer Gallery remains a place where artists and visitors come together — to share ideas, discover new work, and be inspired by the creativity that defines this unique corner of Cornwall.