Set against the dramatic backdrop of Bodmin Moor, and a short drive away from the north coast, Altarnun is unique in that it has both a gallery and coffee shop right next to each other, in addition to the village’s magnificent church, and the post office and village shop just across the road.

Richard opened Terre Verte in 2014. While some may argue that a gallery in the middle of the countryside doesn’t seem viable, this was Richard’s intention entirely, having been inspired by a gallery in the village of Banks, Cumbria, run by Li Yuan-Chia. Here, the whole point of the gallery was to be a remote spot, tucked away from the hustle and bustle, and to entice people in, to slow down and get absorbed by the art and its story.

Similarly for Richard, he wanted Terre Verte to be a space for people to discover the emotion and experiences that pour from each piece of art; not just being an art shop devoted to selling paintings. Here, you find artwork that is rooted in thought and emotion, in a culture that reflects its landscape, rural people and lived experiences. Often, exhibitions showcase the work of local artists who have had few opportunities to display their art to the public; some may be doing so for the first time.

“My objective was to create a space where the work that doesn’t get into galleries, gets shown,” Richard said. “Terre Verte is for all those artists that are creating stuff that is of professional standard, but has had nowhere to go. I do sell work, but that’s not the sole objective.”

With Terre Verte’s neighbours, The Coffee Cup Cornwall, offering delicious lunches, great coffee and incredible bakes, the two businesses complement each other in the best way.

This autumn, Richard is putting on two exciting new exhibitions. The first, running now until 21st September, focuses on the late artists Henry Israel and Caeria Strong, who moved to Cornwall from London in the 1960s. Here, they ran a smallholding, raised a family and spent the rest of their time painting, as well as teaching. A large number of the couple’s paintings, framed drawings and photographs are currently on display in the gallery.

“In those days there were very few professional artists in north Cornwall; now there are more!” Richard continued. “They were pioneering, in a way, and inspired people to do what they did. This exhibition is a little celebration of two people that had a big impact on others.”

The second show, from 16th October to 15th November, will delve into the work of Boscastle-area artist Jacqueline Jarvis, known to most as Peg. Much of her work is focused on the passage of time - in the natural world and in people’s lives and activities.

“Her work is wonderful and it really needs to be showcased more widely,” Richard said. “This is what I find exciting: meeting these artists who are constantly developing the way they work, who are delving deeply into aspects of life and nature.”

As an artist whose work has been displayed in multiple exhibitions, Richard wants his gallery to be a source of support for others. He added: “You of course have your favourite pieces of art that you have created, not because they are the best, but it might remind you of a certain time in your life. It can be challenging to exhibit because you may be exposing your soul a little, exposing your life and what’s precious to you, and you hope for appreciation that reciprocates some of that feeling - if you sell some work, that’s a great bonus because it helps you to create more. It’s that appreciation, the thoughtfulness, that’s why I want to give the opportunity to artists - and to the public.”

Terre Verte is open on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays from 10am-5pm. www.terreverte.co.uk