This story is sponsored by Lucy Pittaway.

Step into Lucy Pittaway’s colourful world and get ready for an adventure through her diverse collection of artwork. From the tranquil beauty of Yorkshire landscapes to the playful antics of her beloved sheep, there’s something for everyone to love in Lucy’s gallery.

Picture this: you stroll into the gallery, and you’re hit with a burst of energy and colour that just screams Lucy Pittaway, it’s like stepping into a rainbow.

You’ll find yourself surrounded by splendid landscapes, vibrant florals, adorable dogs, energetic cyclists, and of course, those iconic sheep.

Lucy’s latest masterpiece “Yorkshire Life”

Let’s talk about “Yorkshire Life.” This latest masterpiece is all about celebrating the scenic wonders of Harrogate and its surroundings.

Think rolling hills, iconic landmarks, and maybe even a few fluffy friends thrown in for good measure. It’s like a love letter to Yorkshire, painted with Lucy’s signature flair and style.

The original “Yorkshire Life” on display in the Harrogate gallery.

Lucy’s collections are inspired by her travels, her love of nature, and her passion for capturing life’s little moments. Whether you’re dreaming of dramatic skies, sunrises and sunsets or simply want to bring a touch of joy and colour into your home, she has got you covered.

Harrogate gallery bursting with joy

Now, let’s talk about the gallery itself. Located in the middle of Harrogate’s bustling high street, it’s a beacon of creativity and fun.

Since opening its doors, it’s become a hotspot for art lovers and locals alike, drawing in people with its vibrant colour and welcoming atmosphere.

The store sells homeware, stationery and more.

Let’s not forget about Tanya, the gallery manager, and her team who unveiled the original “Yorkshire Life” in Harrogate today.

The team are always ready with a smile and a friendly chat, they’ll help you find the perfect piece to suit your style and personality.

Whether you’re a seasoned art expert or a newbie just dipping your toes into the art world, they’ll make you feel right at home.

So why not pop by Lucy Pittaway’s Harrogate Gallery? Lose yourself in the beauty of “Yorkshire Life” and discover a world of colour, joy, and endless possibilities. Who knows? You might just leave with a little piece of Lucy magic to brighten up your day!

This story is sponsored by Lucy Pittaway.

Lucy Pittaway, the celebrated British artist renowned for her vivid and colourful paintings, has launched a new collection at her gallery in Harrogate which is celebrating its first birthday this weekend.

In the spirit of appreciation, the Harrogate gallery has planned a weekend of entertainment and fun starting tomorrow.

The gallery will have a lucky dip for those who purchase art or merchandise including the chance to win a special 25% off voucher. There will a gallery trail quiz to keep the little ones entertained as well as new art and merchandise in the store in time for Christmas.

The most exciting of the new releases in the gallery will be the new “Little Lucy” collection.

All six of the original “Little Lucy” pieces have just gone on display at the gallery on Prospect Place in the town centre.

This captivating collection takes us on an enchanting journey through the complexities of childhood experiences, illuminating their enduring impact on our lives. With a rich tapestry of emotions and narratives, “Little Lucy” promises to captivate hearts and minds alike.

The “Little Lucy” collection draws its inspiration from the profound notion that our early life experiences, both joyful and challenging, intricately shape the individuals we become. At the core of this collection lies the compelling narrative of a young girl named “Little Lucy,” who navigates the uncertainties and anxieties of her youth with a heart full of compassion and boundless creativity.

In the enchanting world of “Little Lucy,” we meet a character who embodies the innocence of youth yet grapples with a lack of confidence. Her vivid imagination and compassionate nature serve as her guiding stars, offering a glimmer of hope amidst the backdrop of overthinking, school worries, and a constantly shifting home life. She is the girl who gazes out of her window, her mind a whirlwind of thoughts, earning her the affectionate nickname “Dolly Daydream” from her parents.

As Little Lucy grows, she adapts to the changes life throws her way and steadfastly endeavours to infuse positivity into her existence. Her story is a poignant reminder that our early experiences do not dictate our future; rather, we hold the power to script our own destinies.

Lucy Pittaway herself taking in the new collection.

At the heart of “The Little Lucy” Collection lies a profound message: “Sometimes life may not grant us the best start, for reasons beyond our control. However, these experiences do not define who we are or who we can become. Each experience is but a chapter in our book of life, and we possess the pen to write the subsequent chapters. Reach for the stars.”

Lucy Pittaway’s intention with this collection is to resonate deeply with individuals on their personal journeys, instilling the belief that they can surmount challenges and aspire to greatness.

Little Lucy represents resilience and a belief in brighter days

“Little Lucy” represents a departure from Lucy Pittaway’s earlier works in that it openly addresses mental health issues, particularly among young individuals. While her signature painting style remains consistent, the introduction of “Little Lucy” and her story adds a deeply personal and relatable dimension to her art. Elements familiar to her audience, such as the iconic round Swaledale sheep, continue to make appearances, forging a connection between this collection and Lucy’s established body of work.

The launch of “Little Lucy” comes at a poignant time, as the world grapples with unprecedented challenges. Widespread suffering has underscored the need for support and the dissemination of positivity. This collection seeks to provide solace and hope to young people contending with mental health issues, fostering resilience and nurturing the belief in brighter days ahead.

The creative journey behind “Little Lucy” commenced with Lucy Pittaway’s thoughts and emotions taking shape on paper. Ideas flowed freely, leading to sketches, studies, and ultimately, fully realised paintings. From an array of visual concepts, Lucy selected six pieces that authentically encapsulate the essence of this remarkable collection. 

The six-piece collection is available as artists’ proofs, sketches for the very first time, originals, and prints. 

Lucy Pittaway’s responsibility to wanting to make a positive impact goes beyond her art. A portion of the proceeds from the sales of the “Little Lucy” collection will be donated to a local charity, The Junction based in Teesside, is focused on supporting young people. By combining her artistic talent with a charitable spirit, Pittaway aims to provide tangible support to those in need.

Lucy’s aspiration for “Little Lucy” is to inspire positivity and a sense of accomplishment in those who have traversed arduous paths. She hopes viewers will perceive these paintings as more than just art; they are profound expressions of resilience and hope. If these vibrant creations can brighten even a single person’s life, then they have undeniably fulfilled their purpose.

For more information about Lucy Pittaway and the “Little Lucy” collection, please click or tap here or visit the Harrogate gallery today.

Mercer Art Gallery in Harrogate is appealing for sponsors to support a major new exhibition this summer. 

The show, called Total Recall: Myth and Memory, will feature archive works and new acquisitions, as well as some contemporary works by five young Northern artists.  

Co-curator Joe Nickols said: 

“We are exhibiting some highlights from our collections, including John Piper prints, paintings of Harrogate by  John Atkinson Grimshaw, and intriguing works by Cândido Portinari.

“New acquisitions come from Lisa Dracup, Kate Mellor, Caroline Walker, Dorothy Cross, and Martin Creed. To complement this we are working with five contemporary Northern artists to further the exhibitions resonance to our area and explore how art is developing. These artists are: Sally Barker, Ka Bird, Jill McKnight, K Walker, and Hang Zhang.

“The exhibition is a great opportunity for these new artists to show their work in a public gallery. We are hoping to grow a budget of around £2,000, which will go to support the artists, transportation of artwork, and outreach production costs. The Mercer Art Gallery is striving to be more inclusive and grow engagement with the local community, and this exhibition is part of this progression.”

A detail from plmvlt, a 2021 work by Newcastle artist Ka Bird.

The exhibition, due to run from July 13 to the end of October, will feature some pieces that have been seldom seen, as well as others which may be more familiar to viewers, such as a copy of Work No. 88 by Turner Prize-winning artist Martin Creed. The work caused considerable controversy and made headlines internationally when it was first unveiled in 1995, as it consists simply of a “sheet of A4 paper crumpled into a ball”. 

Joe said: 

“Some people don’t enjoy that piece, but it does ask a lot of questions. What was it? What memory was inside it? What does it contain?” 

Mercer Art Gallery is currently hosting an exhibition of works by Yorkshire-born Martin Creed, in collaboration with Tate and National Galleries of Scotland. 

Creed’s Work No. 370 Balls 2004 fills the entire main gallery at the Mercer. The vast installation features nearly 1,000 balls of different scale, weight and texture. Visitors will also be able to see Creed’s iconic neon Work No. 890: Don’t Worry 2008 alongside Work No. 1340 2012, a large-scale wall painting of diagonal stripes. 

Artist Rooms Martin Creed runs until July 2, and admission is free. 

For information on Mercer Art Gallery and its exhibitions, go to its page on the North Yorkshire Council website. 

Read more:

• Turner Prize winner’s work to go on display in Harrogate
• Just 1% of Harrogate council’s art collection on public display
• New exhibition at Mercer shows work of artists with disabilities

A Knaresborough institution closed its doors for the last time this afternoon, after its owners were surprised by an impromptu party to mark their retirement. 

Andy and Elaine Grinter opened Art in the Mill, in Green Dragon Yard, in 2007 as a commercial art gallery with a picture-framing business, Green Dragon Framing, running alongside.

But over the years it has become something of a community hub, hosting weaving workshops, life drawing sessions, children’s art classes, poetry evenings, book signings for local authors, and even a wedding. 

In a Facebook post, Elaine said: 

“We’ve given it our all, as if we were raising a child – well twins, actually, if you count two separate businesses – and the rewards have been beyond measure. 

“It’s always been about ‘the people’ for us – the artists and the customers – and we want to thank you for the trust you placed in us to occupy the space in the middle.” 

Since the couple took over the premises 16 years ago, they have held more than 60 exhibitions by 250 artists, as well as hosting primary school visits and working with young artists. 

They have also worked extensively to further the interests of the local business and cultural communities, being heavily involved with Knaresborough’s Festival of Visual Arts (feva), Knaresborough Civic Society and Knaresborough & District Chamber, and starting the Visit Castlegate traders’ association.

Pimms was served in Green Dragon Yard during a Castlegate family fun day.

They have organised Castlegate family fun days, eve of feva parties, and Knaresborough’s celebrations when the Tour de France came to Yorkshire in 2014, as well as raising money for various charities, including funds for the town’s defibrillator. 

Their daughter Holly said:  

“Mum and dad have just worked so hard to push Knaresborough and benefit the whole community – they’ve never really taken holidays or switched off. They’ve done so much for the town over the years – I’m sure they’ll be really missed.” 

Andy and Elaine, who have been married for 36 years, plan to use their retirement to travel and see friends and family. It is understood that their premises, in a converted flax mill built in 1808, have been sold and will be converted for residential use.

Art in the Mill occupied a converted Georgian flax mill in Green Dragon Yard, off Castlegate.

In her Facebook post, Elaine wrote: 

“The mill is an amazing space and has served us all so well that on the eve of our departure we’re predictably sad to be leaving it, and our beloved Green Dragon Yard community, but we have many happy memories to be thankful for.” 

Read more:

• Knaresborough unveils blue plaque to celebrate its ancient market
• ‘Time to come together’ for Knaresborough businesses after BID row
• Art exhibition raises money for Harrogate cancer centre

This story is sponsored by Lucy Pittaway.

One of the UK’s favourite artists says she has been “blown away” by the reception since opening her new gallery in Harrogate before Christmas. 

Lucy Pittaway already has four other galleries across the North – in Richmond, Yarm, Keswick and near her home in Brompton-on-Swale – where she sells original artwork and prints of her paintings, which she calls “art that makes you smile” – but wanted a presence a little further south. 

She said: 

“We’ve been blown away by the reception we’ve had in Harrogate – not just from other traders, but from local people coming into the gallery too.The feedback’s been wonderful. The gallery has been really well received, which makes us feel we’ve definitely made the right decision opening here.

“Footfall’s been incredibly strong. We were getting people wanting to come in before we’d even opened. It’s actually been quite challenging, because we’ve had to take on more people just to cope with demand.”

Lucy Pittaway graduated from Northumbria University with a degree in Graphic Design, and went on to teach and lecture at Darlington Technical College of Art and Design. It was only after she had started a family with childhood sweetheart Neil that she felt it was the perfect time to pursue her lifelong dream of becoming a professional artist.  

Her pictures, which often feature scenes, animals and characters from the Yorkshire Dales, can now be found in homes and galleries across the UK and beyond. 

She has won an armful of prestigious awards from the Fine Art Trade Guild, including Best Up-and-Coming Artist, Best Art Website of the Year, and the UK’s Most Popular Published Artist in 2018, 2019 and 2022. 

Nevertheless, when Lucy decided to open her gallery in the heart of Harrogate, on Prospect Place at the end of James Street, she had little idea of how local traders would respond – but she needn’t have worried. 

She said: 

“Coming to Harrogate has been really eye-opening. It’s a very welcoming town. From a business-to-business point of view, we were really quite overwhelmed by the help we received from [tourism body] Destination Harrogate. They took a lot of time out to answer all our questions about recruitment, seasonality, advertising and business organisations.

“Other businesses have been very supportive too, and I think that says a lot about the genuine nature of businesses in Harrogate. They want to do the best for their customers and are interested in improving choice on the high street.”

Buoyed by the success of the Harrogate opening, Lucy is now hoping to repeat the achievement in other towns in the region. 

She said:

“We’ve just gone through some major renovation at our head office in Brompton-on-Swale, and have invested a lot in new warehousing and office space, which will help us feed more galleries and expand. 

“We want to bring a vibrancy to the high street to make people smile. We’re planning to open more galleries this year – so watch this space!” 

Find out more:

Discover why Lucy Pittaway is the UK’s most popular published artist by visiting her newest gallery at 21 Prospect Place, Harrogate.

Or check out her latest paintings on her award-winning website, lucypittaway.co.uk.

The Walker Galleries has closed its shop on Montpellier Parade in Harrogate and moved its operations online.

Established in 1972, the family-run contemporary gallery is one of Harrogate’s premier art destinations.

It has a large number of 19th and 20th century English and European paintings and watercolours.

Managing director Ian Walker said the property was due to be renovated and stressed the gallery would continue to operate online and at art fairs.

Mr Walker said:

“We are continuing as a business, we are merely shutting down as a retail site. We have written to all our clients explaining the situation.”

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An exhibition of original art by the comedian Vic Reeves is on display at Red House Originals Gallery in Harrogate.

The exhibition, called Yorkshire Rocks and Dinghy Fights, includes several paintings of Brimham Rocks.

Leeds-born Mr Reeves, a keen artist who exhibits under his real name Jim Moir, is a frequent visitor to the National Trust site near Pateley Bridge.

The exhibition, featuring work priced up to £12,500, also includes paintings that show his love of birds and shoes, as well as art highlighting his surreal sense of humour.

Mr Reeves attended the opening of the exhibition, which was extended by a week due to demand. Saturday will be the last day.

Mr Reeves at the opening night. Pic by Robin Clewley.

Dave McTague, who is responsible for marketing at the gallery, said:

“We’ve had a phenomenal response to it. We’ve had people travelling from all over the country.”

Red House Originals Gallery, on Cheltenham Mount, is owned by Richard McTague, nephew of Paul McTague, who owns the McTague of Harrogate gallery next door.

While McTague of Harrogate features traditional art, Red House focuses on pop art, modern art and contemporary work, often showcasing Yorkshire artists.

Dave McTague in front of three of the Brimham Rocks exhibits.

Opening night of the Vic Reeves exhibition.

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A contemporary art gallery has relocated from Kirbymoorside to Harrogate.

Bils & Rye on John Street specialise in 3D works such as sculptures and ceramics, as well as abstract paintings. The owner said there’s room in the market and he hopes the move will add to Harrogate’s rich culture scene.

The owner, Nick Bentley, decided to move his gallery to Harrogate as a result of taking part in an arts festival in 2015. He told the Stray Ferret that Harrogate has great competition for art galleries and he would much rather position himself among his idols in the business.

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He said:

“Harrogate has always been a top destination and the strength of the competition here is brilliant. I think there’s room in the market. We have a very different offering to other galleries, yet I think we can work quite well together and put Harrogate on the map as an art destination.

The gallery will be selling sculptures by Simon Gudgen, as well as internationally acclaimed contemporary British painter Dion Salvador Lloyd.

Despite opening up during a pandemic, Nick told the Stray Ferret that covid has given him more opportunities. He said:

“For me, corona was like a gift of time – it really gave me time to think and realise that this is what I want to do. Because I am relocating the business it gave me chance to say ‘lets do it, but let’s do it right’.”

The gallery will open its doors for the first time in Harrogate this weekend and visitors are advised to pre book an appointment.