About the owner

Hi there!
 

My name is Richard.
 

I had a long 20-year carrier in catering and hospitality management. But like many in the UK today, it wasn’t what I wanted to do long term.

I’ve had ambitions to own and run an art supply shop for a long while now, and there had been a gap in the market for a decent art shop in the area for a while so it was certainly a no brainer. After an excruciating long time with lots of planning, research and hard work I made it happen this year (2025). My aim is to help the local budding artist find what they are looking for with some professional advice along the way.
 

I’m a pencil artist myself, specialising in colour portraits and fine details. So, talking about art, what best to use, how to use has always been a keen passion of mine. To be able to do this as a full-time job has never made me happier and I’m grateful for the location in the heart of the Westbourne Arcade too! Since opening, word has spread to all the artists and local art groups in the area, and I honestly had no idea how many there really were. It’s been an overwhelmingly positive result which I hope to keep giving back with providing more in stock of what they are hoping to find in store.
 

I still have a long way to go to reach my targets for the shop. I want to continue expanding the brands and to fill the shop with as much possible and eventually launch the online shop too. There will also be more frequent videos with helpful advice on products and what best to buy for your needs and others. With the continued support of the community this will be thee place to get your local art supplies.
 

I’m in the shop most days and always here to help with any enquiries you might have or if you just want to chat about art I’m always up for it.