A Lap of the Sun
- Hannah Tapping
- Jun 25
- 2 min read
Words by Hannah Tapping
The Summerhouse Gallery’s evolving curatorial vision brings the best in contemporary impressionist art to west Cornwall.
Rhiannon Cottam has been the guiding force behind The Summerhouse Gallery in Marazion since 2023. An artist herself, her long-time presence within the gallery’s walls, has created a connection to the space that runs deeper than most. Having worked at The Summerhouse since her mid-twenties, first as assistant, then manager, her recent stewardship feels more like a natural continuation than a changing of hands.
Rhiannon brings with her not only an MA in Illustration from Falmouth University, but also the instinctive eye of a practicing artist. The gallery’s calendar reflects that same artistic sensibility; seven thoughtfully arranged exhibitions form the backbone of each year, punctuated by dynamic mixed-artist shows that mirror the vitality of Cornwall’s creative landscape.
The gallery has a varied and exciting show schedule, showing seven different shows throughout 2025 with mixed artist exhibitions in between. These shows include; a spring mixed artist show; a summer mixed artist show; Kit Johns’ solo show; Imogen Bone’s solo show, Nick Praed’s feature show; a mixed artist autumn show and a mixed artist winter show.
Perhaps one of the most anticipated moments in this year’s programme is Kit Johns’ solo exhibition. Known for painting powerful seascapes directly onto vintage nautical charts, Johns’ work carries a tactile connection to the land and sea it depicts. His practice – textured, immersive, and emotionally resonant – has found a loyal following since the gallery’s early days.
LEFT: Kit Johns RIGHT: For A Moment Everything Else Felt Forgotten 100x100cm, acrylic & mixed Mmdia on unprimed canvas
This July, his new collection explores seasonal cycles and their interplay with light, tide, and emotion. Divided into four parts, the show drifts through the subtle transitions of the Cornish year, from the coolness of winter shores to the golden saturation of midsummer. Themes of lunar rhythm and tidal movement, long present in Johns’ work, are drawn into sharper focus here, echoing not just nature’s patterns but personal ones too.
As ever, The Summerhouse Gallery presents this story with equal care online as it does within its physical space. Those who sign up to the gallery’s mailing list will be granted early access to the digital catalogue; a chance to step into the narrative before the doors even open.
The public opening takes place on July 4th from 6pm to 8pm, offering a rare chance to meet the artist amid the work. Everyone is welcome.
Kit Johns’ solo exhibition, A Lap of the Sun, runs at The Summerhouse Gallery from July 4th to 25th 2025.
