Shaping Britishness: Britain’s Artist Colonies Uncovered

Throughout the 19th and 20th centuries, artists gathered in picturesque corners of Britain to live, work, and inspire one another. This talk, led by Kayleigh Davies, explores the unique spirit of places like St Ives, Newlyn, and Great Bardfield, looking at how geography, light, community and politics shaped their artistic output — and why these colonies still capture our imagination today.

Kayleigh Davies
With nearly 15 years of experience in the auction industry, Kayleigh Davies is a seasoned valuer, auctioneer, and toy specialist. She is well-known to many from her appearances as an expert on the British television show Cash in the Attic, where she brings forgotten objects and their stories back to life.

Kayleigh has a particular passion for the unexpected—rare records, vintage posters, comics, and design pieces that reveal surprising histories. She holds a master’s degree in antiques, and her academic work includes a dissertation on bootleg toys: unlicensed, often quirky creations that sometimes eclipse the originals in both rarity and value.