A Summer Visit to Mousehole: Capturing the Charm of The Ark through Ink and Watercolour

If you've ever wandered the winding streets of Cornwall, you’ll know that every town feels like it holds a secret waiting to be discovered. Last summer, I had the pleasure of visiting Mousehole, a little fishing village tucked away on the southwest coast of England, and it quickly became one of my favourite places.

Mousehole has this effortless charm about it. With its cobbled streets, rustic cottages, and breathtaking coastal views, it’s the kind of place where time seems to slow down, and every corner holds a new treasure. As I explored, I found myself drawn to the town’s many nooks and crannies—each one full of character and history. But the most delightful discovery of all was The Ark, a quirky little gift shop nestled in the heart of Mousehole.

The Ark immediately captured my attention with its unique, almost whimsical architecture. From the outside, it looked like something straight out of a storybook—small, slightly askew, and brimming with personality. 

But rather than simply browsing, I couldn’t help but think of capturing the shop’s essence in my own way. As someone who loves urban sketching, I decided to sit down and try to bring The Ark to life with my trusty pen and watercolour set. There was something about its shape that fascinated me—the way the building leaned ever so slightly, the textures of the weathered wood, and the small, quirky details that gave it character. I focused on emphasising its angles and the contrast between light and shadow, while the watercolour added that soft, coastal touch that felt so fitting for a place like Mousehole.

Sketching The Ark was such a rewarding experience. The combination of ink and watercolour allowed me to bring out both the structure's intricate details and its warm, inviting feel. It’s amazing how a drawing can hold so much of the atmosphere of a place—a feeling that no photograph quite captures in the same way.