A Creative Force Upstairs: Sarah McIntyre at Bovey Paradiso Arts

Step into Bovey Paradiso Arts on any given day and you may just hear the unmistakable sounds of creativity drifting down from upstairs: the scratch of pens on paper, the rustle of book pages, or even a burst of friendly laughter. That’s when you know that Sarah McIntyre, illustrator, author, and colourful character in every sense of the word, is in residence.

Sarah McIntyre is not only a celebrated illustrator and co-creator of the Adventure Mice and Pugs of the Frozen North series (with writing partner Philip Reeve), but also a much-loved fixture of the Bovey Paradiso Arts community. As a permanent studio tenant, she brings energy, imagination, and a fabulous splash of fun to our creative hub.

Visitors to the gallery may recognise her from her signature vibrant dresses (often handmade from fabrics she’s designed herself) or from the bold, whimsical artwork that fills her space. But beyond her distinctive style and bestselling books, Sarah’s impact on Bovey Paradiso runs much deeper.

She is a steadfast supporter of the arts in Bovey Tracey, always ready to chat with visitors, encourage young illustrators, and champion local creativity. Whether she’s working on a new book, participating in events, or simply stopping for a warm conversation in the gallery, Sarah is a true ambassador for what we stand for at Bovey Paradiso: community, creativity, and connection.

We’re incredibly proud to have her as part of our extended artistic family. Her presence reminds us that art is not just something to be admired on walls or shelves — it’s something that grows in shared spaces, nurtured by real people with big ideas and even bigger hearts.

If you haven’t yet had the joy of meeting Sarah, we encourage you to pop by. Her work has a permanent presence in the gallery and you might just catch a glimpse of the next big idea in children’s publishing being sketched into life — or simply share a smile and a story with one of the most delightful creatives in Devon.