Since 1991, the contemporary visual artist and sculptor Tim Shaw, RA has had a studio at Higher Spargo.

In this video, Tim shares his memories from his early days at Higher Spargo when it was still very much a working farm. He recounts how initially artists who wanted a studio space were expected to muck in with the farm work and often helped herding cows. It was rough, functional and a little chaotic – but that, in part, was the appeal. And it still is.

Over thirty years later, Higher Spargo remains just as untamed, and the rare creative energy of the place still lingers in its crumbling outbuildings, overgrown paths, and communal spirit.

Tim has won many prestigious awards for his work and has earned widespread acclaim for his sculptures, exhibiting pieces around the world. In 2013 Tim was elected to the Royal Academy of Arts in London and he exhibits in the London Summer Exhibition annually. His most significant international solo exhibition to date, Beyond Reason (October 2018 to February 2019), at The San Diego Museum of Art included six of his immersive, large-scale installations. The exhibition was highlighted by Artnet as one of the foremost 'museum shows around the US worth travelling for'. 

This video shows a moment of reflection from an artist who has built much of his life and practice in this rural Cornish farmyard.

Videographer: Sophie May

Writer: Muirne MacKinlay MacLeod