“Where We Live”

An Exhibition by Stu Anderson at The Halfway House, Polbathic, Cornwall, PL11 3EY

Step into the heart of Cornish village life this winter as local artist Stu Anderson unveils his latest exhibition, “Where We Live”, at The Halfway House in Polbathic. Opening on 22nd November 2025 and running until 4th January 2026, this collection of paintings celebrates the spirit, stories, and scenery of St Germans and Polbathic, Southeast Cornwall, all in support of The Chestnut Appeal.

The Artist 

Stu Anderson, based in St Germans, draws inspiration from the everyday beauty and poetry found in rural communities. Trained at South Devon College Art School under the guidance of renowned Cornish abstract artist John Chambers, and holding an MA in Fine Art from Falmouth University, Stu’s work is known for its vibrant colour and dynamic life. His style blends impressionism, expressionism, and abstraction, and his art is sought after as far afield as New Zealand. For this exhibition, he turns his keen observational eye to the rhythms and rituals that define village life.

A Portrait of Community

“Where We Live” is a tribute to the people and places that make St Germans and Polbathic unique. The exhibition features eight original pieces, each crafted over the past six months. Through both paintings and drawings, Stu captures scenes from riverside walks, lazy summer afternoons at the pub, and the subtle bonds that tie neighbours together. The works reflect the resilience and warmth of rural communities, offering viewers a sense of what makes a village truly feel like home.

Stu explains, “It’s a tight community. There are close bonds around the bar, and the pub is a true hub of community activity. We all know the area is beautiful and has a strong legacy of artists, music, and good times—what better place to celebrate that through paintings?”

The Pub as a Living Gallery

The choice of venue is central to the exhibition’s spirit. Rather than a traditional gallery, The Halfway House stands as a living, breathing centre of village life, with a rich history of music, the arts, and sociability. For owners Lloyd and Kirsty Halliday, who are longstanding champions of local creativity, hosting Stu’s exhibition is a natural extension of their commitment to community.

“We’ve always thought of the pub as the heart of the community,” say Lloyd and Kirsty. “Stu’s paintings are a natural fit—they’re about us, our neighbours, and the place we all share. It’s wonderful to see people spotting themselves or their favourite corners on the walls. We regularly feature live music in the pub, so why not hold an exhibition for a local artist?”

A Cause for Celebration

At a time when traditional village pubs face closures and the social fabric risks unravelling, this exhibition is a reminder of the importance of coming together. The collaboration between artist and pub underscores the belief that art and creativity belong at the core of community life. By transforming the pub into a gallery, “Where We Live” invites everyone—locals and visitors alike—to reconnect with the stories, landscapes, and friendships that shape this corner of Cornwall.

The exhibition is open to all and runs from 22nd November 2025 to 4th January 2026 at The Halfway House, Polbathic, Cornwall. All proceeds support The Chestnut Appeal.

All the works are for sale with proceeds going to The Chestnut Appeal