The Tate Gallery in St Ives commissioned architects Evans & Shalev to design a new building overlooking Porthmeor Beach that would showcase modern art from St Ives. The architects chose Blanc de Bierges stone products for the roof terraces, entrance, and stairs because their warm creamy color matched the local sand and gave the impression that the beach had been raised into the sky. A variety of Blanc de Bierges stone elements provided flexibility for the curved design and incorporated views of the ocean.

1. LOCATION ARCHITECT
Case Study The Tate Gallery St Ives Evans & Shalev
The art of
inspired space
B l a n c d e Bi e r ge s L t d Te l : + 44 (0 ) 1858 410 048 w w w. bla n cdebi erges . co m

2. LOCATION LANDSCAPE ARCHITECT
Case Study The Tate Gallery St Ives
The Tate Gallery in St Ives
is a unique example of an
environment in harmony with
location and purpose.
Since the late nineteenth century two ‘schools’
of art have grown up in west Cornwall,
at Newlyn and St Ives. Before Tate St Ives
opened in 1993, there had been no public
gallery dedicated to the distinctive modern
art of St Ives. Tate St Ives presents continuing
passion for art in the context of Cornwall.
At the heart of the programme of displays
and activities is a body of work for which the
town of St Ives is internationally known - the
modernist art produced by artists associated
with the town and its surrounding area
from the 1920s onwards. The gallery also
presents work by contemporary artists, often
responding to the gallery’s displays or to the
broader Cornish scene.
Award winning architects Evans & Shalev
chose Blanc de Bierges hand crafted paving
materials for the roof terraces and main
entrance concourse and approach stairs at
the Tate Gallery St Ives, opened in June 1993
by HRH The Prince of Wales.
Bench at Park Guell by
Gaudi, Barcelona, Spain

3. The Gallery occupies a spectacular site
overlooking Porthmeor Beach, close to the
studios used by many artists who’s work is
on display. The Museum is a three storey
building, backing directly into the old cliff
face and exploiting the dramatic sea views
offered by its location.
The warm, creamy buff Blanc de Bierges
materials are almost exactly the colour of
the sand which makes them ideal for the
roof terraces. “It looks as if the beach has
been raised into the sky” commented a
spokesperson from the Cornwall County
Council – the commissioning body.
The architects used a variety of Blanc de
Bierges setts, slabs, steps and also pool
tiles. The smaller elements providing great
flexibility for paving around the many curves
incorporated into the design.
B l a n c d e Bi e r ge s L t d Te l : + 44 (0 ) 1858 410 048 w w w. bla n cdebi erges . co m

4. Blanc de Bierges components used on the Tate Gallery St Ives Scheme
Saddlebaks
Steps
Retaining Walls
Spiral Stairways
Bespoke
Setts & Slabs
Copings
Pool Tiles
Gullies & Kerbs
Architectural Masonry
Architectural Cladding
Street Furniture
TM
AmphiSystem
Tree Grilles
Head Office
69 Northampton Road
Market Harborough
Leicestershire
LE16 9HD
United Kingdom
Tel: +44 (0)1858 410 048
committed to excellence in cast stonework w w w. b l a n c d e b i e r g e s . c o m