Half Acre Studios is a unique artist’s studio and garden, originally designed and created by artist and teacher Carole Vincent (1939–2019) in the beautiful coastal village of Boscastle, North Cornwall. Reopened in August 2019 by artists Sam Halstead and Phoebe Stannard, the studios continue to be a dedicated space for creativity, learning, and artistic exchange.
Our mission is to support and inspire artists of all ages and abilities. We offer regular groups in life drawing, painting, sculpture, and printmaking, alongside short and week-long courses open to everyone. We are equally committed to nurturing the next generation of creatives through our Young Artists Programme—designed to complement the work of local schools and support the career paths of emerging local talent.
Half Acre Studios also serves as a community hub, fostering engagement through individual tuition, creative exploration, and an accessible approach to both making and understanding art. Through encouragement, hands-on practice, and insights into art history and observation, we aim to provide a rich, inclusive artistic experience for all.
“Until we can insert a USB into our ear and download our thoughts, drawing remains the best way of getting visual information onto the page.” — Grayson Perry
Our mission is to support and inspire artists of all ages and abilities. We offer regular groups in life drawing, painting, sculpture, and printmaking, alongside short and week-long courses open to everyone. We are equally committed to nurturing the next generation of creatives through our Young Artists Programme—designed to complement the work of local schools and support the career paths of emerging local talent.
Half Acre Studios also serves as a community hub, fostering engagement through individual tuition, creative exploration, and an accessible approach to both making and understanding art. Through encouragement, hands-on practice, and insights into art history and observation, we aim to provide a rich, inclusive artistic experience for all.
“Until we can insert a USB into our ear and download our thoughts, drawing remains the best way of getting visual information onto the page.” — Grayson Perry
The Artists
SAm Halstead
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Phoebe Stannard
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Sam Halstead is a sculptor based in Cornwall. He studied Fine Art (Sculpture) at Norwich School of Art, graduating in 2008, and completed The Drawing Year at The Prince’s Drawing School (now the Royal Drawing School) in 2009.
Working in plaster, wax, and cast metal, Sam’s practice is grounded in observational drawing and a deep sensitivity to form, gesture, and material. He taught at the Royal Drawing School for over ten years before moving to Cornwall, where he now runs courses at Half Acre Studios—originally founded by artist and mentor Carole Vincent—continuing her legacy of teaching through drawing and making. Sam has exhibited with the 20 Group in Norwich, the Bergh Apton Sculpture Trail, and at Sladmore Contemporary in London. 
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Phoebe Stannard is a visual artist working in drawing, painting, printmaking, and medallic art. She studied Fine Art (Painting) at Norwich School of Art and completed The Drawing Year at the Royal Drawing School in 2010.
Raised in Rome, her work draws on memories of theatre, circus, and mythology, blending observation with imagination. In 2023, she was selected as a Coronation artist by His Majesty The King, and her work is held in the Royal Collection, the V&A, and the British Museum. Phoebe has over a decade of teaching experience at the Royal Drawing School, across the Public Programme, Young Artists, and Foundation Year, and is currently a faculty member on the Online Drawing Development Year. She is based in Boscastle, Cornwall. 
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Carole Vincent (1939 - 2019)
Carole Vincent (1939–2019) founded Half Acre Studios. A sculptor, painter, teacher, concrete technologist, and gardener, Vincent is best known for her pioneering work with concrete, exploring its natural color, texture, and form.
In 1992, she began experimenting with pigments in concrete, extending beyond natural stone hues to discover vibrant reds, yellows, greens, and blues—effectively bringing the full palette of a painter into a three-dimensional medium. Her commissions range widely, from public spaces to private buildings and gardens. Notable works include The Armada Dial (1988) in Plymouth City Centre, The Pedestrians (1989) in Devon, Colloquy (1994) in Singapore, Les Jongleurs (1996) and La Citadelle (2005) in Jersey, The Red Carpet (1999) in Edinburgh, Sea Stack (2008) in Alderney, and The Bude Light (2000). In 2007, Vincent became the first recipient of the British Precast “Creativity in Concrete” award. An avid gardener, Vincent developed a sculpture garden at Half Acre over her lifetime. Set on 1½ acres overlooking cliffs and the sea, the garden surrounds the cottage and studios and includes a small wood. Her sculptures both inhabit intimate corners and command expansive views throughout the garden. The Blue Circle Garden (part of the Half Acre garden) won a Bronze Medal at the Royal Horticultural Society’s Chelsea Flower Show in 2001. |
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