Your Studio Welcome

Keeping You Safe

Your safety is important to us and we are working to do everything possible to restrict the spread of Covid-19. We will keep our measures under review in response to government guidance.

We have reduced the number of students on the course, made more space in the studio so everyone can work comfortably at a distance and introduced strict cleaning regimes.

When you first arrive in the morning, we will ask you to wear your own 2 layer fabric mask that fits snugly around your mouth and nose and sanitise your hands.

When you are seated at your work station, you can remove your mask.

The majority of courses take place in our main studio, where we have installed perspex screening between each student.

PLEASE NOTE: Not all studios have screening; you will be advised if you are in one of these spaces but do call to check if you are concerned.

2 Meter Social Distancing

We are maintaining a 2 meter social distancing rule so please keep this distance between fellow students and staff.

Please watch this short film about what to expect arriving at the main studio

What to Bring

We provide all the materials and equipment you need for your course, but do bring your favourite set of brushes if you wish to. If your course involves working outside please bring warm clothes and sensible footwear.

  • Mask
  • Mug
  • Apron
  • Extra layer for warmth

Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, we are currently not able to supply aprons to use during courses. We would kindly ask that all students bring their own apron or shirt covering to the studios. If you would like to buy a St Ives School of Painting apron to use instead then these will be available for purchase from the Studio Manager for £18 each. 

It may also be useful to bring a plastic folder or portfolio to transport your work home (although we have these available to buy from £3.50).

Adequate ventilation reduces how much virus is in the air. We improve ventilation by keeping studio windows and doors open at all times. If it is chilly we can use extra heaters but please wear warm clothes and bring an extra layer. 

Lunch & Refreshments

At break times we will serve you with tea, coffee and water refills at your desk.

Please bring your own water bottle and cup or mug if you can.

There will be an hour for lunch, there are plenty of nearby places to eat and we will be encouraging everyone to leave the studio for some fresh air and a fresh perspective.  

Please note in Summer St Ives is busy and if you want to eat in a restaurant or cafe you will need to book in advance. Many places do take-aways but there may be queues. You can always pick up a sandwich at one of the two local Co-Op supermarkets in town. 

Unfortunately, at this time we cannot allow access to our kitchenette so the fridge and microwave will be out of bounds.

Arriving at the School

We will open the front door fifteen minutes before the course starts and not before. This is so we can safely manage the number of students arriving in the building at the same time. If you have to wait outside, please do keep a 2-meter distance from other students, you can spread out into the garden square opposite.

On arrival, please wait in the foyer, observing social distancing rules. Please wear your own face covering and use our hand sanitiser which is immediately situated inside the front door. Whenever you leave the premises, for example for lunch, please use the hand sanitiser as soon as you return to the School.

We will take you up to the studios two at a time and let you settle into your work-station where your tutor will greet you.

We hope you will understand the need for these measures which we believe will keep you safe whilst retaining the warmth and camaraderie of the studio.

We can’t wait to see you!