Teignmouth Arts Quarter

Over near Teignmouth’s River Beach is the Arts Quarter.  Here you will find a selection of art galleries, interesting independent shops, bakeries, pubs and cafes.  TAAG (Teignmouth Arts and Action Group) has its home here, as does local artist Laura Wall, the Reuben Lenkiewicz gallery (which displays work of his father Robert Lenkiewicz), Voyage Art, Spymass, Gallery 8 and Serenity gallery (home of the Teignmouth Arts Society).  Music and theatre also play an important part in the area with the Ice Factory theatre, retro record and music shops, and the regular music events at the Ship and New Quay Inns. The area also has an artistic past:  the marine artist Thomas Luny lived in the neighbourhood in the nineteenth century, as did the poet John Keats.

A chance remark made by a customer in Voyage Fair Trade who commented on the ‘arty feel’ of the area began a chain of events which led to Sam Birtwistle, owner of Voyage Fair Trade, promoting the area and then starting a Facebook page. The late mayor Geoff Bladon was instrumental in pushing the idea forward and in 2016 the Arts Quarter was designated as the area around the River Beach, Northumberland Place, Somerset Place and Teign Street. When on the River Beach (or the Back Beach as the locals call it) it’s possible to spend many happy hours watching all the comings and goings of a busy harbour and port. Do visit the Arts Quarter for an interesting, relaxing experience.